Supporting Culinologists of the Future
The Research Chefs Association and Culinology® Scholarship Foundation invest in the next generation of Culinology professionals through scholarships and conference opportunities. By helping students pursue education that blends culinary arts and food science, we aim to reduce financial barriers, encourage innovation, and strengthen the future of the food industry.
Applications for 2026 have closed and recipients will be honored at the 2026 RCA Conference.
Michele Block
Memorial Scholarship
The Michele Block Memorial Scholarship honors the memory of Michele Block.
The Michele Block Memorial Scholarship was created by RCA and Darifair Foods (now Rubix Foods) in 2006 to honor the memory of Michele Block, a long-time member of the RCA and Vice President of Marketing for Darifair Foods, one of RCA's founding sponsors.
During her time on the Board of Directors, Block acted as the Associate representative. Her dedication to building the organization's successful partnership program, as well as helping to plan several annual conferences, has significantly advanced RCA's mission and contributed immeasurably to its many accomplishments.
The Michele Block Memorial Scholarship recognizes an outstanding applicant with a $1,000 academic scholarship plus a $500 travel stipend to attend the RCA Annual Conference.
The 2026 recipients will be HONORED March 12 at the awards luncheon.
Chef Eric Koyama Student Scholarship
Sponsored by King's Hawaiian®
The Chef Eric Koyama Student Scholarship honors the memory of Chef Eric Koyama.
Chef Eric Koyama made a lasting impact at King’s Hawaiian as one of the first chefs in innovation and was instrumental in new product development. He designed the King’s Hawaiian test kitchens and built out their first innovation process. Always willing to share and lend a hand to others, Chef Eric was most enthusiastic about helping to develop the next generation of chefs and took time out of his busy schedule to speak at culinary schools across the country.
Chef Eric leaves a legacy of generosity, hard work and undeniable passion that lives on through this generous scholarship sponsored by King’s Hawaiian for students enrolled in RCA-approved Culinology degree programs at Kapiolani Community College and the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
Winners will receive a reimbursable stipend of up to $3,000 to attend the 2026 Research Chefs Association Annual Conference and Culinology Expo in Westminster, Colo., March 10-12, 2026.
The 2026 recipients will be HONORED March 12 at the awards luncheon.
Past Scholarships
A history of our commitment to supporting the future of the food industry through academic excellence and professional development.
Tyson Foods Scholarship
The Tyson Foods Scholarship was established in 2016 to create an opportunity for individuals to succeed in the discipline of Culinology®. The scholarship provided financial assistance in the form of a $1,000 scholarship for qualified students enrolled or accepted in a culinary arts or food science program.
Bill "Pops" Hahne Memorial Scholarship
Initiated in March 2008 to honor the many contributions of Bill Hahne, a founding member and long-time board member known fondly as "Pops". He served in various leadership roles and helped establish the Culinology Education Foundation.
Black Boar Truffle Student Scholarship
Created in February 2022 to recognize the future of product development and innovation within RCA. Black Boar Truffle holds students in high regard as the next generation of talented industry professionals.
New England Region Culinology Scholarship
Provided by the New England Region of the RCA (NERCA) to acknowledge academic pursuit of students in culinary arts and food science focused on Culinology at New England schools or universities.
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