Les Dames D’Escoffier B.C. Chapter (Les Dames) is once again offering scholarships for B.C. women with a desire to begin training in the culinary, beverage or hospitality fields, and for women already skilled in these fields who seek to further their expertise. Deadline for application is February 28, 2016. In 2015, Les Dames BC awarded 22 scholarships valued at $21,082.00.
All scholarships are awarded based on merit, ability, commitment and passion, and may range in value between $300 and $2000 depending on funds available, program requirements and approved applicants. Each application is reviewed and evaluated by the Les Dames’ Scholarship Committee.
Two types of scholarships are offered – sponsored scholarships to a specific course or educational institution and monetary scholarships to assist the recipient to attend the course/institution of her choice.
Among the sponsored scholarships are a two or three-day workshop at one of the world’s leading chocolate academies – Barry Callebaut’s Chocolate Academy in Montreal. Local schools offering sponsored scholarships include The Pastry Training Centre of Vancouver, Northwest Culinary Academy of Vancouver, and Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts (PICA).
Scholarships are open to B.C. women of all ages who are pursuing careers in food, wine, hospitality, nutrition, food technology or other related areas. Past recipients have included women who have gone on to successful culinary careers and have since been inducted into Les Dames as members – Chef Taryn Wa (owner, Savoury Chef Foods and Les Dames Scholarship Co-Chair), Chef Merri Schwartz (Founder,Growing Chefs! and East Van Roasters), Cassandra Anderton (food and wine writer, owner Good Life Vancouver), Chef Dana Reinhardt and Lesley Stav (President of the Canadian Culinary Federation of Chefs and Cooks – North Vancouver Island Branch).
Other successful past recipients include: Joanne Sasvari (freelance writer specializing in food, wine, spirits, and travel), Michelle Bouffard (sommelier /wine educator), Michaela Morris (sommelier/ wine educator), Julie Pegg (freelance food and wine writer), and Gloria Chang (wine journalist/educator and Founder/Principal of Wine Adventures Magazine + Sommelier Services).
“Supporting women in our industry through scholarships is one of our primary mandates. We’re thrilled to be able to support women in furthering their education. It is so satisfying to see them go on to successful careers,” says Scholarship Co-Chair Kathy McAree.
Throughout the course of a year, Les Dames BC Chapter raises scholarship funds through a number of events such as Summerdine (in August), the Gala (in October) and Vancouver Magazine’s Big Night (in February).
Les Dames d’Escoffier BC Chapter scholarship application form and further information can be found on the website’s Scholarship section.
Les Dames D’Escoffier is an international association dedicated to supporting the advancement of women in the hospitality and culinary domains as well as fostering industry excellence through educational and charitable activities. For information on Les Dames D’Escoffier BC Chapter and updates on its various events and programs please visit: www.lesdames.ca Follow us on Facebook or Twitter @LesDamesBC
For information on Les Dames d’Escoffier International: www.idei.org
