The Southeast Asia Field Research Scholarship enables the next generation of professionals to move beyond the classroom and into real-world exploration and learning.

Sponsored by Chef Danhi & Co., the scholarship supports immersive, hands-on field research in Southeast Asia, giving culinary students the opportunity to experience food cultures firsthand while developing new perspectives on flavor, food systems, innovation, and cultural context.

Recipients will receive a range of benefits, including funding to design and lead a one-week field immersion in Southeast Asia, selecting one country from Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, or Vietnam. This unique, mentored experience allows the recipient to collaborate with Chef Robert Danhi while gaining valuable exposure within the RCA community and the broader food and beverage industry.

This opportunity is made possible through a $100,000 endowment from Chef Danhi & Co. and is open to additional donors.

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 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.

Past Scholarships

A history of our commitment to supporting the future of the food industry through academic excellence and professional development.