Scholarship Opportunities

Donations fund up to ten higher education and continuing education scholarships each year, which are awarded to deserving students at the RCA Annual Conference.

Michele Block Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was created by RCA and Darifair Foods in 2006 to honor the memory of the late Michele Block, a long time and very active member of RCA who served as vice president of marketing for Florida-based Darifair Foods, one of RCA's Founding Sponsors. Block was a long-time member of the RCA and sat on the Board of Directors as the Associate representative for many years. Her dedication to building the organization's successful sponsorship program, as well as helping to plan several Annual Conferences, has significantly advanced RCA's mission and contributed immeasurably to its many accomplishments. Beginning in 2007, the Research Chefs Foundation will award an annual scholarship to a deserving student with monies provided by this scholarship fund. Read more about the founding of the Michele Block Memorial Scholarship.

Bill "Pops" Hahne Memorial Scholarship

In March 2008, the RCF proudly announced the founding of the Bill "Pops" Hahne Memorial Scholarship Fund, a fund initiated by RCA to honor the many contributions of Bill Hahne to the association.  Known fondly as "Pops" among the RCA community, Hahne was a founding member of the association and served the RCA throughout the years in various leadership roles, including president, treasurer, and long-time board member.   His commitment to building the association and broadening the influence of Culinology was evident to all in the industry.  In addition, he helped to establish the Research Chefs Foundation (RCF) and served as director since its inception in 2002.  Going forward, the RCF will award an annual scholarship to a deserving student of Culinology with monies provided by the Bill "Pops" Hahne Memorial Scholarship Fund, with more details to follow. 

• Bill 'Pops' Hahne Memorial Photo Gallery 

Applying for Scholarships

Valuing the importance of education, the Research Chefs Foundation strives to provide financial assistance in the form of scholarships to assist qualified students and professionals pursuing higher learning and continuing education opportunities in Culinology, culinary arts, and food science.

2009 scholarship applications will be due to RCA Headquarters in December 2008. Applications will be made available on this Web page soon.

For more information
Contact Tim Kline, Director of Education at RCA Headquarters, (678) 303-3017 or tkline@kellencompany.com.