Who can apply

The Edna Lewis Foundation Scholarships support the next generation of stewards of Black foodways in culinary arts, agriculture, and food studies/food writing. Qualified candidates are individuals who are:

​

• at least 21 years of age at the time the scholarship is awarded

• committed to advancing and amplifying the impact of Black foodways in American cuisine through culinary, agriculture, and food studies/food writing.

​

What It's FoR

The Edna Lewis Foundation Scholarships follow a grant model, giving recipients wide latitude to use scholarship funds to advance in their chosen food-related career. Qualified expenses include tuition, fees, and travel related to your stated career goals and objectives. Examples include:

​

• apprenticeships

• written projects

• programs and projects for community initiatives

• research & development for farms and restaurants 

• certifications

• trainings

• educational projects/research

• internships

• conferences

• workshops/symposia

 

Scholarships are not awarded to those seeking seed money or operating capital for business or entrepreneurial ventures.

​

How many scholarships are available

The Edna Lewis Foundation awards one scholarship in each category: Agriculture & Farming, Culinary Arts, and Food Studies/Food Writing. The Foundation will not accept applications in more than one category.​

​

important dates​

• Applications open on April 13, and the deadline to apply is June 13, 2026

• Finalists will be notified by June 30th and invited to interview with members of the Board the week of July 13th 

• All applications, including scholarship recipients, will be notified on August 3, 2026

​

application checklist

Eligible applications are deemed complete when they:​

​

• are completed through our Google Form; emailed applications will not be accepted​

• include a resume, unofficial transcript (if currently enrolled in an educational program), and (1) letter of recommendation

• clearly state goals and objectives, with a budget and timeline for achieving them

​

Share Your vision

The Edna Lewis Foundation encourages scholarship applicants to share how the scholarship can help make their goal a reality. The career aspirations section of the application is an opportunity for applicants to explain their career goals and objectives to the Foundation’s Awards Committee and how a scholarship will help elevate their careers, reduce financial barriers, or otherwise support those goals.

​

What will improve my chances of success​

All applicants, including those requesting educational and related travel funds, must clearly state their career goals and objectives, including a budget and timeline for achieving them. Goals are broad, long-term outcomes that you aim to achieve and should provide a sense of direction. Goals are qualitative in nature, aligned with your values, vision, or mission. Objectives are concrete, short-term actions to help achieve each of your goals. They are specific, measurable, and time-bound. For specific guidance around goals and objectives, please see https://asana.com/resources/goal-vs-objective.

 

personalized mentorship

Each scholarship recipient will be paired with a mentor who will work closely with them, providing guidance on personal and professional growth. Mentors and mentees are expected to meet virtually once a month for at least six months. 

​

requests for informational interviews

To ensure a fair and equitable process for all applicants, The Edna Lewis Foundation will not conduct informal meetings, coffee chats, or individual phone conversations between applicants and the Board prior to the formal interview stage.