Scholarships from Les Dames d’Escoffier Charleston

In 2011, the Charleston chapter launched Les Dames d’Escoffier Charleston Scholarships for Education, which are 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.

Our 2025 Scholarship Recipients

Heather Hutton Taft

2025 Recipient

Gabrielle Smith

2025 Recipient

Maria Victoria Rodriguez Pacheco

2025 Recipient

Dorie Wexler

2025 Recipient

Rachael Sykes

2025 Recipient
LDEI SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

Applications are OPEN.

The applications will open on February 15, 2026 and the deadline to apply is May 15, 2026. Successful Scholarship Recipients will be notified on or around June 15.

Applications are now open for the 2026 year. Completed application and all supporting materials should be emailed to info@ldeicharleston.com with Scholarship in the subject line. If you wish to apply by video, simply give us the same information found in the application. Instructions for video can be downloaded below. 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.

2026 Application video application

FAQ

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.

The deadline to submit an application is May 15, 2026.

The number of scholarships fluctuates each year based on the success of the previous year’s fundraising. Each scholarship is a maximum of $3000.

Scholarship winners will be announced around June 15 and you will be notified via email if you’ve won.

The funds will be sent to the institution or certification program providing the educational opportunity.

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

  • “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.”
    lauren furey, 3-time recipient

  • “LDEI is an amazing group of women who have shown me that when women come together, we have so many connections and opportunities open 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 more doors and connections with such great women.”
    krista kanapaux, 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 be 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 education dreams!”
    kelly kleisner, 2022 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 assistances from such a distinguished group of female leaders validated my time spent volunteering for an organization I believe in, and the global experiences supported by LDEI forever changed my life and career by emboldening my desire to contribute to our Lowcountry foodshed.”
    carrie larson, 2016 recipient

Support Our Scholarships

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