ACF Atlanta jOHN pISKOR STUDENT cULINARY aWARD

John Piskor Culinary Scholarship applications will be accepted annually.

The John Piskor Culinary Scholarship will be presented to qualified applicants pursuing fulltime culinary coursework.  The American Culinary Federation – Atlanta Chefs Association administering the John Piskor Scholarship Fund, will award a limited number of scholarships, based on …

This scholarship was established in honor of the late Chef John Piskor who was a culinary instructor, student advocate and lifelong learner himself. Chef Piskor knew the importance of an organization where the culinary community could get together and share ideas, network and learn from each other. In 1969 he was among the founding fathers of the ACF Atlanta Chapter and a dedicated member for more than 50 years.  

Chef Piskor also championed the first African Americans into the president position and was very involved with the junior members not only locally but nationally. He traveled the country on behalf of the ACF National Office forming apprenticeship programs with junior members. In addition to his accomplishments and leadership in the Atlanta culinary community, Chef Piskor was executive chef for various restaurants and clubs, and  he owned and operated the Mouse Trap.

Over the years, this scholarship has helped hundreds of students fulfill their dreams of becoming a chef.  Chef Piskor will be remembered for his commitment to the culinary profession and helping others succeed.

The John Piskor Culinary Student Educational Award

Would you like to experience all of the excitement of the ACF Regional Convention in person? Be a part of the biggest annual gathering of Chefs, Culinary students and foodservice professionals.  Enjoy the array of seminars, cooking demonstrations, networking, and social functions. The ACF Regional and National Conventions will have plenty of networking opportunities for you to connect with Chefs from around the U.S. and the world.

You have the opportunity to be awarded the John Piskor Culinary Student Educational Award(s) if you are a current ACF Atlanta Chefs Association member and are registered in a Culinary degree program. This award will include a full Student Registration to the ACF Regional Convention, hotel, travel expenses and some meals.

All applicants must be registered in a culinary degree program at the time of the application process. If an applicant graduates prior to the award being redeemed, the applicant must be in a role that supports the culinary industry. The American Culinary Federation Atlanta Chefs Association reserves the right to refuse the scholarship should a student no longer be enrolled in school at the time of the convention(s).

Educational Awards will be presented at the President’s Gala held yearly in January. The John Piskor Student Educational Award recipient(s) will be notified in advance and are required to be present at the President’s Gala to receive award. The award winners will  coordinate with the Executive Director to review details on the awards. 

To be considered by the Grants & Awards Committee, an applicant must meet the following requirements:

1. Have a current State of Georgia Identification Card or Driver’s License.
2. Be an exemplary student, with a letter of recommendation from one (1) Chef Instructor.
3. Be a Member of the ACF Atlanta Chefs Association, Inc.
4. Be currently enrolled in
1. Post-secondary college, with a major in either culinary or pastry arts. -OR-
2. Culinary Arts program with acceptance and enrollment to an accredited, post-secondary culinary arts program. -OR-
3. An ACFEF registered apprenticeship program.
5. Must have participated in two (2) ACF Atlanta Chapter Events & Meetings
6. Have a career goal of becoming a Chef or Pastry Chef.
7. Must be 18 years of age or older.
8. Must be able to attend and travel to National Convention.
9. Submit completed application by deadline: November 7th, of the current year.

Submit the completed scholarship application and supporting documentation to: [email protected]

John Piskor Culinary Student Educational Application Instructions

Applicants will be evaluated on the criteria listed below. Only completed and signed applications will be reviewed by the scholarship selection committee.

Academic Excellence – Letter of Reference from a Culinary Instructor. Submit one (1) letter of recommendation from your culinary professional and/or culinary educators. Family members/relatives and significant others are ineligible to write the letter of recommendation.

Participation in Culinary Competitions – Names & Dates of Competitions Required. Competing in a culinary or pastry competition at a local, regional, or national level. Acceptable competitions include ACF sanctioned competitions, Skills USA, ProStart, ACFEF Knowledge Bowl, ACF-ACA hosted competitions, or food manufacturer or supplier hosted competitions.

Volunteer for School and Industry Activities: Culinary volunteer involvement for school and industry related activities. Examples include community charity events, food pantry, cooking for disaster relief, volunteering for a culinary club, cooking at a homeless shelter, or working at a charity dinner. Letter verifying volunteer service must be submitted as proof.

American Culinary Federation Involvement: Involvement in ACF related activities including attending local chapter meetings, volunteering for chapter events, working on an ACF committee, or attending an ACF national or regional event. Only ACF events attended in the last 12 months are eligible. Submit a letter from an ACF Chapter representative, or letter of attendance or copy of S.C.I.P. record for verification.

Required Questionnaire: Complete each essay question listed on the application questionnaire. Use additional paper if necessary. Answers must be a minimum of 35 words per question. Only typed responses will be considered.

Selection Process: Selection will be based on student’s overall academic progress, extracurricular activities, participation in culinary activities, competitions and answers to essay questions.

Notice of Awards: Students will be notified by email of any scholarship award or denial.

Media Release and Waiver: Through application submission, Scholarship applicants acknowledge and grant permission for images of self, captured through video, photo and digital camera, to be used solely for the purposes of ACF-Atlanta Chefs Association promotional material and publications, and waive any rights of compensation or ownership thereto.

ACF Atlanta PROFESSIONAL CULINARY GRANT

Would you like assistance with your continual education?  Would you like the opportunity to get Certified?  Perhaps attend an ACF Regional or National Convention? This new grant assists ACF Atlanta Chefs with continuing their education.  The ACF Atlanta Chefs Association, Inc. will offer two (2) $500 grants in January and two (2) grants in June. You have the opportunity to be awarded the ACF Atlanta Association, Inc. Educational Grant if you are a current ACF Atlanta Chefs Member who is in good standings and participates and or attends in meetings and events.

All applicants must be a member in good standings at the time of the application process and remain a member through the duration of the grant process. The applicant must be in position/job that supports the culinary industry. The American Culinary Federation Atlanta Chefs Association, Inc. reserves the right to refuse the grant should a member no longer be a member in good standings.

ACF Atlanta Chefs Association, Inc.  Educational Grants recipients will be notified in advance and are required to be present at the Monthly Meet-ups. The award winners will coordinate with the Executive Director to review details on the grant(s). 

To be considered by the Grant & Awards Committee, an applicant must meet the following requirements:

1. Have a current State of Georgia Identification Card or Driver’s License.
2. Be a Member of the ACF Atlanta Chefs Association, Inc.
3. Write a detailed essay on what the grant would be used for and the benefits the award will add to your career.
4. Must have participated in two (2) ACF Atlanta Chefs Association, Inc. Chapter Events and Meetings.
5. Have a career goal detailed in the essay.
6. A letter of recommendation from another Chef that supports the applicant’s goals.
7. Must be employed in a role that supports the Culinary Industry.
8. Must be 18 years of age or older.
9. Submit completed application by deadline:
1. December 7th, of the current year. For the January distribution
2. June 7^th, - For the July distribution 
   
   

Submit the completed scholarship application and supporting documentation to: [email protected]

ACF Atlanta Chefs Association, Inc. Educational Grant Instructions

Applicants will be evaluated on the criteria listed below. Only completed and signed applications will be reviewed by the grant and scholarship selection committee.

Career Excellence: Letter of Reference from a Culinary Leader / Mentor. Submit one (1) letter of recommendation from your culinary professional. Family members/relatives and significant others are ineligible to write the letter of recommendation.

Participation in Culinary Competitions: Names & Dates of Competitions (if applicable) Competing in a culinary or pastry competition at a local, regional, or national level. Acceptable competitions include ACF sanctioned competitions, Skills USA, ProStart, ACFEF Knowledge Bowl, ACF-ACA hosted competitions, or food manufacturer or supplier hosted competitions.  

Volunteer for Industry Activities: Culinary volunteer involvement for school and industry related activities. Examples include community charity events, food pantry, cooking for disaster relief, volunteering as a judge for student completions such as Skills USA, or ProStart, cooking at a homeless shelter, or working at a charity dinner.  Letter verifying volunteer service must be submitted as proof.

American Culinary Federation Involvement: Involvement in ACF related activities including attending local chapter meetings, volunteering for chapter events, working on an ACF committee, or attending an ACF National or Regional event. ACF events attended in the last 12 months. Submit details for verification on the application.

Required Questionnaire: Complete each essay question listed on the application questionnaire. Use additional paper if necessary. Answers must be a minimum of 75 words per question. Only typed responses will be considered.

Selection Process: Selection will be based by the member’s overall chapters activities, volunteer opportunities, participation in culinary activities, competitions (if applicable) and answers to essay questions.

Notice of Awards: Members will be notified by email of any educational grant award or denial.

Media Release and Waiver: Through application submission, Grant applicants acknowledge and grant permission for images of self, captured through video, photo and digital camera, to be used solely for the purposes of ACF-Atlanta Chefs Association promotional material and publications, and waive any rights of compensation or ownership.

Outside Scholarships

ACF National Scholarships

The American Culinary Federation Education Foundation, with the support of the American Academy of Chefs (AAC), is pleased to offer a limited number of scholarships annually to students:

• Apprenticeship program - up to $1,500
• Certificate programs - up to $1,500
• Post-secondary degree programs - up to $2,500

Thank you to our members and partners who generously donate funds. In addition to general scholarship donations, the following funds support our scholarship offerings:

• AAC Andrew Macrina Scholarship
• AAC Balestreri/Cutino Scholarship
• AAC John Kacala Scholarship
• AAC Ray & Gertrude Marshall Scholarship
• Chef Chris Neary Scholarship
• Chef Daniel D'Angelo Scholarship Fund
• Linda Cullen Scholarship
• In memory of Daniel D'Angelo CEC, AAC, MS

ACFEF Scholarship Applications

Scholarship deadlines are April 30 and October 31 of each year.

Professional Development Grants

Grants will be awarded on a competitive basis to exemplary working culinary professionals who wish to update their skills through continuing education. Grants will be awarded based on availability of funds throughout the year.

• Professional Development Grant

Healthy Eating Grants

The Chef & Child initiative, is offering ACF chefs and chapters grant funding to support nutrition outreach activities in their communities. Outreach activities must align with the Chef & Child mission to education children and families in understanding proper nutrition.

Grant opportunities are available for programs and events

National Organization Sponsored Scholarships

• GoFoodservice Scholarship

• National Restaurant Association Education Foundation – scholarship and grant opportunities
• ASU Online - Offers a checklist for student success.
• Resources for First Generation College Students.
• FastWEB - Provides access to a database of more than 400,000 private sector scholarships, fellowships, grants and student loans.

• Student Quick Reference Guide - Financial aid tips for students

• The Hallie Gay Walden Bagley Scholarship

Students