Apply Now! The Trotter Project 2025-2026 Scholarship Season is Officially Open!

We are thrilled to announce that The Trotter Project's scholarship application season is now open from February 15th to May 15th. Our mission is to inspire and support the next generation of industry leaders by offering scholarships to individuals pursuing undergraduate degrees in culinary arts, hospitality management, and food science agriculture.

All application materials must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CST on May 15, 2025.

The Trotter Project scholarships are available to anyone enrolled in an accredited US college or university for the upcoming academic year. There are no age restrictions – applicants can apply at any point during their education.

We are thrilled to be able to support talented individuals and look forward to their future contributions to the foodservice and hospitality industry. Wishing all applicants the best of luck!

ELIGIBLILITY REQUIREMENTS

  • Must have 2.5 or higher GPA (unweighted)

  • Must be a high school senior, incoming or current college student to qualify for scholarship

  • Complete full online application (apply below)

  • Must be attending an accredited college/university in the USA

  • Must submit the following documents:

  1. Resume highlighting community service, jobs, internships

  2. Transcript displaying cumulative GPA weighted/unweighted

  3. Letter of recommendation from someone who can discuss applicants academic achievements and/or character

  4. CURRENT COLLEGE STUDENTS ONLY - Must submit documentation from college/university demonstrating a remaining balance/financial need.

  5. VIDEO expressing how you pursue excellence, your interest in culinary arts/baking pastry, hospitality management or food science agriculture. This is your opportunity to express individuality/creativity, passion, commitment and any other positive qualities you want us to know about. Videos should not exceed three minutes.

  6. Everything must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m CST, May 15th, 2025

New Applicants

Past Trotter Project scholarship recipients are eligible to reapply for consideration. 

THE TROTTER PROJECT SCHOLARSHIPS

〰️

THE TROTTER PROJECT SCHOLARSHIPS 〰️

The Charlie Trotter Pursuit of Excellence Scholarship

Up to $10,000


Named for Chef Charlie Trotter and his legendary commitment to excellence in the Culinary Arts, this award will be given to Culinary Arts and Baking or Pastry students attending any accredited college or university in the USA.

The Homaro Cantu Scholarship

Up to $10,000


This award, named in honor of The Trotter Project’s founding president, recognizes outstanding Hospitality Management students attending any accredited college or university in the USA.

The Farmer Lee Jones Scholarship

Up to $10,000


Named for James Beard Award winner Farmer Lee Jones, who is committed to sustainable agricultural practices at his family’s 300-acre farm. This award will be given to Food Science Agricultural students attending any accredited college or university in the USA.

The Farmer Lee Jones Scholarship is only for food science and sustainable farming majors—veterinary and animal husbandry majors do not qualify.

2024 Recipients

  • Julianne Jones

    HOMARO CANTU SCHOLARSHIP

    Utah State University

  • Laila Vieira

    HOMARO CANTO SCHOLARSHIP

    University of Nevada, Las Vegas

  • Oliver Hammes

    FARMER LEE JONES SCHOLARSHIP

    The Ohio State University

  • Aiden Martin

    FARMER LEE JONES SCHOLARSHIP

    Cornell University

  • Kiana Conway

    CHARLIE TROTTER PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE

    Napa Valley College Culinary Arts

  • Ava Williams

    CHARLIE TROTTER PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE

    Johnson & Wales University

Previous Scholarship Recipients

2023 Recipients

2022 Recipients

2021 Recipients

2020 Recipients

2019 Recipients

2018 Recipients

2017 Recipients

Be an active investor in Culinary Arts.