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What kind of scholarships does the James Beard Foundation offer?
The James Beard Foundation offers scholarships in the culinary arts and wine studies, the specifics of which vary from year to year depending on criteria specified by donors. Cash scholarships include the James Beard Foundation General Scholarships and Friends of James Beard Scholarships. There are also tuition waiver scholarships that are granted by schools and administered by the James Beard Foundation.
How can I find out which scholarships will be offered this year?
Each April the list of scholarships being offered will be available on our website. The application form and full directions for completing the application are available to download at that time as well.
What determines which scholarships are offered each year?
The scholarships offered depend on the funds raised, tuition waivers donated, and on criteria specified by donors.
Who selects the recipients of James Beard Foundation Scholarships?
Completed application forms are received and processed by Scholarship America, a respected independent non-profit group that specializes in scholarship administration. Approximately 650 applications are received each year. The James Beard Foundation's Scholarship Selection Committee reviews the semi-finalists, and approximately 70 recipients are selected.
How can I prepare to apply?
In preparation for applying for a James Beard Foundation Scholarship, it helps to gather and organize the following information even before the applications for this year are posted:
Personal contact information
Educational history (high school or college transcripts)
History of other scholarships or grants received
Work/apprenticeship history
Brief statement of culinary goals
Financial statement and copy of most recent Federal Income Tax return
A professional or educational source who will provide a brief evaluation/recommendation
What is the deadline for application submissions?
The deadline changes slightly from year to year. Applications for 2012 James Beard Foundation Scholarships must be postmarked no later than May 15, 2012, and should be submitted to the Scholarship Management Services of Scholarship America in St. Peter, MN, as instructed on the application form.
Are previous recipients of James Beard Foundation Scholarships eligible to apply again?
Can I apply for more than one scholarship?
Yes. The scholarship application acts as a universal application, putting you in the running for all the scholarships we offer that you qualify for.
Is there a fee required with the application form?
When will the winners be notified?
Scholarship winners will be notified at the beginning of August. The scholarship awards will be administered for the Fall semester on behalf of the James Beard Foundation by the independent non-profit organization Scholarship America.
Can I endow a scholarship or make a contribution to the James Beard Foundation Scholarship Program?
Yes. There is almost nothing more rewarding than helping a passionate, talented student realize his or her dreams. The scholarship profiles we include in every issue of Beard Bites, our electronic newsletter, speak to this satisfaction. Scholarships are core to our mission, and we can work with you to determine the specific structure and criteria for the type of scholarship you would like to support. To endow a scholarship or donate to the Foundation's scholarship program, please contact Emily Rothkrug at erothkrug@jamesbeard.org.
Does the James Beard Foundation offer volunteer opportunities?
The James Beard Foundation offers volunteer opportunities for current culinary and pastry students who would like to assist chefs in the James Beard House kitchen. The guest chefs visit from all over the country and can't always bring along their entire staff. Culinary student volunteers work side by side with the chefs and their teams to prepare and plate a meal that highlights the chef's talents. Volunteering is a fun, educational, and rewarding experience.
How do I start the process of volunteering for the James Beard Foundation?
Begin by downloading our Policies and Procedures form and application. Within one business week you will be contacted by the manager of culinary volunteer programs to discuss your schedule and availability as to how it relates to the program.
How do I learn about the different events open to volunteers?
Upcoming events at the Beard House are posted online. Become a Student Member to receive a subscription to Previews, a monthly email providing advance notice of upcoming events; student pricing at select events and educational programs; a subscription to JBF Notes, our weekly digital newsletter; Beard Bites, and more. To sign up, find Student Membership under the Professional banner:
https://www.jamesbeard.org/join-us
How do I sign up to volunteer at an event?
Scheduling for the upcoming month begins on the first business day of the prior month. For example, bookings for March events begin on the first business day of February. To be added to the calendar, call the manager of culinary volunteer programs to discuss dates and times that work best with your schedule. After this conversation, you are considered "penciled in" for the dates discussed, and we ask that you please keep those dates open until you have been contacted again to confirm the schedule. Ten days to three weeks prior to your scheduled date, you will be contacted with a confirmation of your time slot, or you will be informed that there is no availability for that date and time. It is very important to return all calls from the James Beard Foundation in a timely manner.
Why would there not be availability?
The need for volunteers depends on the chef. Some require more than others, some require none. We cannot guarantee the number of slots until the chef tells us exactly how much help he or she will need during their James Beard House experience.
How long does it take to get on the schedule?
Due to the popularity of this program, it can take up to six weeks from receipt of your completed application to secure a confirmed spot on the calendar.
Why can't I find the volunteer schedule online?
The volunteer schedule changes several times each day; therefore, it is only available to the manager of culinary volunteer programs. To learn about event openings, please contact the manager of culinary volunteer programs.
What happens if I cannot keep my scheduled appointment due to illness or a change of plans?
Please contact the manager of culinary volunteer programs as soon as you find out that you're not going to be available so that another student can fill your slot. For day of cancellations, refer to Policies and Procedures.
What are the hours for volunteers?
There are three standard shifts for volunteers: 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.; 2:00 P.M. to 11:00 P.M.; and 4:00 P.M. to 11:00 P.M. Lunches end by 3:00 P.M. and dinners end around 10:00 P.M. Guest chefs determine the call time required for their event. You will be asked to arrive at the earliest slot that you are available for. Depending upon the chef's needs and your availability, you may either do a full day shift or the morning or afternoon shift, and this will be determined when you speak with the manager of culinary volunteer programs.
Where do I go?
All volunteers should show up for their shifts at the James Beard House, located at 167 West 12th Street and ask for Jamiee Arzeno, the James Beard House culinary director. Please note that the manager of culinary volunteer programs works offsite and will not be there when you arrive.
Hope do I prepare and what do I need to bring?
For a better volunteer experience, please visit our website's Events section and find the date on which you're scheduled to volunteer to familiarize yourself. Read the event description, the menu, and the "Related Info" section, which contains links that will take you to the chef's website and more.
What will I be doing when I volunteer?
If you are volunteering during the morning of a lunch, you will be assisting with last-minute prep and plate-out. If you are volunteering during the morning of a dinner, you will be assisting the chef with prepping the ingredients for that evening's service. If you are scheduled for the afternoon of a dinner, you will be assisting with last-minute prep and service plate-out. Please remember that all students must act and present themselves in a professional manner at all times. Keep cell-phone use to a minimum and focus on the tasks at hand.
I just started school; what if I can't do what the chef asks?
Please inform the chef that you are new in school and want to do your best. Chefs will take extra care to see that you're able to do whatever he or she needs. If your skills are not up to a chef's needs, he or she will try to find another task for you. If you find you are unable to perform most of the tasks asked of you, it is best that you observe for the rest of the evening and wait to volunteer again after your skills have improved.
Can I volunteer at events that take place outside the James Beard House?
Several of the Foundation's larger New York City–area events, such as Sunday Supper at Chelsea Market and the annual JBF Gala, require student volunteers. Volunteer information for these events will be sent to your school's student advisor in a timely fashion and will be posted accordingly.
I do not live in the New York City area. How can I volunteer with the James Beard Foundation?
We are currently creating relationships with culinary schools outside of New York City and hope to incorporate our volunteer program with our events that take place nationwide. To learn what events are taking place in your city, check out our events calendar. Contact the manager of culinary volunteer programs to learn more about this opportunity.
I am not a culinary student. Can I still volunteer for the Foundation?
While our official volunteer program is aimed at current culinary students, there are many other ways to get involved with the Foundation, from taking photos to stuffing gift bags. In addition, there are event-planning office internships that typically last three to four months. To learn more, send us an email.
I have more questions; how can I contact the manager of culinary volunteer programs?
Please send us an email.
The James Beard Foundation's mission is to celebrate, nurture, and honor chefs and other leaders making America's food culture more delicious, diverse, and sustainable for everyone.
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