Scholarships From Les Dames d’Escoffier

In 2011, the Charleston chapter launched Les Dames d’Escoffier Charleston Scholarships for Education, which is awarded to qualified female applicants who are pursuing careers in culinary arts, hospitality, beverage management, nutrition, event management and related areas. Scholarship support is provided by the LDEI Charleston Chapter to assist women in these careers by funding specific requests for undergraduate/graduate course work and continuing education or certification programs in these areas.

LDEI SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

Applications open DECEMBER 1, 2023.

Application deadline is March 15, 2024. Successful scholarship recipients will be notified no later than May 1, 2024.

*Individual scholarships will not exceed $3,000 each and funds will be distributed to named educational programs on the scholarship recipient’s behalf no later than July 1, 2024.

*Applicant(s) must be a legal resident of the State of South Carolina.

*Applicant(s) must submit the completed application along with supporting documentation.

*Applicants(s) older than 18 must demonstrate at least one year of experience full-time or part-time in the culinary or hospitality industry by submitting a biography, resume or video documenting such experience.

* If currently enrolled in an educational program, applicant must submit a copy of her transcript.

*These funds are for educational purposes and are not to be used to start a business.

**Please note that scholarship recipients are required to provide a video or written testimonial about how they used the scholarship funds. This follow up testimonial should be sent to info@ldeicharleston.org no later than November 1, 2024 or by request.

Completed application and all supporting materials should be emailed (put Scholarship Application in subject line) to info@ldeicharleston.org

APPLY HERE NOW

Applications are now CLOSED for the 2023 year and will open DECEMBER 1 2023 for the 2024 year. Completed application and all supporting materials should be emailed (put Scholarship Application in subject line) to info@ldeicharleston.org

2024 LDEI Scholarship Application (pdf)

Download

VIDEO APPLICATION

We now have the option of applying by video -- simply give us the same information found in the application. Instructions for video can be downloaded here. Please note that, if you are awarded a scholarship, the chapter reserves the right to use all or part of your video for promotional purposes.

LDEI Video Application Instructions (pdf)

Download

scholarship faqs

Who is eligible for a scholarship?

Women pursuing careers in culinary arts, hospitality, beverage management, nutrition, event management and related areas who are looking to further their careers in undergraduate/graduate course work, continuing education or certification programs in culinary, beverage or hospitality arts and who have filled out the scholarship application by the deadline.

Current members of Les Dames d’Escoffier are not eligible for scholarship.

What kinds of things are scholarships awarded for?

Scholarships are awarded for undergraduate/graduate course work, continuing education or certification programs in culinary, beverage or hospitality arts.

How many scholarships are you awarding?

The number of scholarships fluctuates each year based on the success of the previous year’s fundraising. Each scholarship is a maximum of $3,000.

What’s the deadline?

The deadline to submit an application is March 15, 2024

Does the money go to me or to the institution providing the education?

The money is sent by July 1 2024 to the institution or certification program providing the educational opportunity.

When will I find out if I won?

Scholarship winners will be announced by May 1 2024 and you will be notified via email if you’ve won.

Testimonials

Krista Kanapaux (2022 recipient)

LDEI is an amazing group of women who have showed me that when women come together, we have so many connections and opportunities opened up to us. I received a scholarship from LDEI in 2022 as I am a Hospitality and Tourism Management Student at Trident Technical College. I have put this money towards books needed for my classes and it has been a tremendous help. The women I have met are wonderful leaders who give knowledge and grace to those paving their way in this industry. I encourage you to apply for a scholarship which will help open up more doors and connections with such great women.

Kelly Kleisner (2022 recipient):

I have worked in the hospitality industry for 20 years and going back to school was a big undertaking. I knew that continuing my education in health, wellness and nutrition would help me build a secondary career in food and beverage. This added expense was one I am determined to take on without the use of loans. Receiving the Les Dames scholarship helped to get me one step closer to my degree! Having the support of women in the industry is paramount to being successful. I feel honored, proud and grateful for being chosen as a recipient of the Les Dames d'Escoffier International scholarship. I would encourage any woman in the field to never stop learning and continue pursuing their educational dreams!

Lauren Furey (3-time recipient):

Les Dames d'Escoffier Charleston Chapter is at the core of why I love Charleston. As a three-time scholarship winner, I learned that LDEI is serious and passionate about lifting others.The Dames work together for the greater good of the community. During my apprenticeship with Grand Dame Nathalie in her home kitchen, she taught me all about cooking, entertaining and ingredients. She made me feel welcome, important, and empowered. The LDEI scholarship is more than a scholarship. It promotes long-lasting mentorship and friendship.

Carrie Larson (2016 recipient):

A Les Dames d’Escoffier Charleston Scholarship for Education supported my effort to attend an international conference and symposium, Terra Madre, as a delegate for the volunteer-led organization Slow Food Charleston. Receiving financial assistance from such a distinguished group of female leaders validated my time spent volunteering for an organization I believe in, and the global experience supported by LDEI forever changed my life and career by emboldening my desire to contribute to our Lowcountry foodshed.

DONATE TO OUR SCHOLARSHIP FUND!

Your support and contributions will enable us to help raise up women in the food, beverage, and hospitality industries!