Do you know a young, aspiring chef seeking mentorship and a life-changing experience in the culinary arts? The Aarón Sánchez Scholarship may be perfect for them.
Applications are now open for six full scholarships that will be awarded for the incoming Class of 2026. Each scholarship will provide:
- Full tuition to attend the New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute (NOCHI) for their Culinary Arts Certificate Program operating July - December 2026, which includes school supplies, fees, classroom instruction, career services support, and a capstone project.
- Housing in New Orleans for the duration of the program.
- Travel to New Orleans for the start of the program and home upon completion (flights, etc.)
- Monthly stipend for bus and streetcar ground transportation for the duration of the program.
- Monthly $250 grocery stipend for the duration of the program.
- One-week internship tailored to the student’s career interests.
- Mentorship from Chef Aarón Sánchez and other industry professionals.
The deadline to apply is December 30, 2025.
For information about scholarship eligibility, and to access the application, click here.
The Aarón Sánchez Scholarship is the flagship initiative of the Aarón Sánchez Impact Fund, a program of Emeril Lagasse Foundation founded by award-winning chef, TV personality and philanthropist Aarón Sánchez to uplift the lives of Latino youth through food. The fund empowers aspiring young chefs through culinary education, mentorship, and hands-on training. To date, the fund has awarded 27 Aarón Sánchez Scholarships valued at $1.6 million.
Aaron Sanchez Class of 2025