AZ’s Second Chances Scholarship

Beginning April 1, the James Beard Foundation will begin accepting applications for its 2014 scholarship program, with more than $450,000 in scholarships and grants available. Established in 1991, the James Beard Foundation Scholarship Program assists aspiring and established culinary professionals who plan to further their education.

Last year, I partnered with Eyebobs Eyewear to design some awesome reading glasses called the Zimm (order your pair here). For every Zimm pair purchased, a portion of the proceeds will benefit the James Beard Foundation via my “Second Chances” scholarship. The $10,000 scholarship will offer a student faced with extreme challenges—whether health, addiction, family, unemployment, etc.—a second chance to overcome these hardships and follow a culinary path. I was once given a second chance myself after struggling with addiction, and it’s important for me that others are given the same opportunity to turn their lives around. I couldn’t think of a better organization to donate to. Devoted to celebrating, nurturing and preserving America’s diverse culinary heritage, the James Beard Foundation is very dear to me.

Application forms will be available at sms.scholarshipamerica.org/jamesbeard, beginning April 1, 2014. All scholarship application materials, including transcript, must be postmarked by May 15, 2014. Scholarship winners will be notified in August. For more info, visit the James Beard Foundation Scholarship Program.