National Restaurant Association Announces 2025 Scholarship Recipients Supporting Future Leaders of the Foodservice Industry

National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation 2025 Scholarship Recipients

On October 30, 2025, the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) revealed its 2025 scholarship recipients, honoring nearly 200 post-secondary students who are poised to shape the future of the restaurant and foodservice industry. With an impressive overall investment of nearly $1 million, this year's scholarships represent a significant commitment to fostering the next generation of culinary talent and industry leaders.

The NRAEF scholarships serve a dual purpose: offering financial assistance while promoting educational empowerment. The diverse pool of scholarship awardees ranges from ages 17 to 59, encompassing students from 88 educational institutions across 39 states. These scholars are pursuing a variety of 75 distinct areas of study, including culinary arts, business administration, marketing, hospitality management, and human resources.

Many of the recipients already possess valuable experience, with 97% having previously worked in restaurant environments. This hands-on exposure highlights the industry's role not just as a service sector, but as an incubator for future careers. Scholars embark on unique career paths, spanning over 70 vocations, and possess access to 2,000 unique opportunities within the restaurant sector. The NRAEF’s specific initiatives, including the RestaurantsWork portal, facilitate awareness of these extensive career pathways, guiding students towards a fulfilling professional future.

Aiden Lynge, a student from the Culinary Institute of America and an awardee of this year’s scholarship, passionately explained, “My goal is to one day open a restaurant that blends rustic elegance with locally sourced ingredients, creating an inviting space where guests can feel truly at home.” Aiden’s aspirations reflect the commitment shared by scholarship recipients to innovate culinary offerings and enhance community engagement through food.

Michelle Korsmo, President and CEO of the National Restaurant Association and the NRAEF, emphasized the transformative power of these scholarships, stating, “Every scholarship we award is an investment in someone's future – empowering them to build a career and support the communities where they live and work,” underscoring the potential of the foodservice industry to enact real change in lives across communities.

Over the past 38 years, the NRAEF has awarded more than 6,300 scholarships, totaling around $28 million, aimed at reducing financial burdens for students chasing their culinary dreams. The Foundation is especially grateful for partnerships with organizations such as the Burger King Foundation, The Coca-Cola Company, and others, which have made these scholarships possible.

The NRAEF's commitment extends beyond financial aid; their programs focus on attracting, empowering, and advancing today’s and tomorrow’s workforce in restaurant and foodservice roles. Notable initiatives include the ProStart® program aimed at high-school students, military programs helping servicemen and women transition into culinary careers, and job training partnerships with community organizations.

Scholars and applicants alike can learn more about these programs and initiatives by visiting the NRAEF’s scholarship page at Choose Restaurants. The organization’s comprehensive resources aim to prepare a robust workforce ready to tackle the culinary challenges of tomorrow’s marketplace. As the 2025 scholarship recipients embark on their journeys, their collective stories reflect a vibrant industry rich with opportunities, innovation, and community-driven solutions.