Scholarships

Foundation of NACE Scholarships

The Foundation of NACE advances the catering and events industry through scholarships that help both future and current professionals. Since 2008, The Foundation of NACE has awarded more than $100,000.00 those pursuing or advancing careers in catering and events. These scholarships provide aid that supports tuition, travel, leadership training and professional development to those who want a career in the catering and events industry.

$14,970 in funding this year has been invested into The Foundation of NACE’s scholarships. For more details, check out the 2021 Annual Report here.
 

Vince DeFinis Scholarship

The Vince DeFinis Scholarship honors the founder of the first NACE chapter, Philadelphia/South Jersey/Delaware, and provides support to undergraduate students who demonstrate leadership abilities.

The Vince DeFinis Scholarship winner will receive a package of robust career development tools designed to not just financially support their education but will also provide multiple opportunities to interact with industry leaders and participate in NACE education throughout the year.

Applicants are evaluated on scholarly merit, professional endeavors to date and an essay that reflects their career goals and objectives, enthusiasm/passion, and grammar/spelling. Applicants do not have to be members of NACE, but members do get extra points awarded.

One recipient will be awarded a career advancement scholarship valued at more than $9,000.

Vince DeFinis Eligibility Requirements: Undergraduate students must meet the following requirements:

  • All applicants must be currently enrolled as a full-time student (12 credits or more) in an accredited hospitality or related program and applicant’s graduation date must not be before May 2023, and applicants must have completed 30 credits.  
  • All applicants must have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA 
  • Submit the following:  
    • Resume 
    • An essay (no more than 1,000 words) answering the following questions:   
      • Why are you interested in pursuing a career in catering or event management?  
      • What kind of a job would you like to gain after graduation?  
      • What is your ultimate career goal and/or dream job? What are your long-term goals and objectives?  
    • Two letters of recommendation (one from a professional caterer or event company and a current professor)  
    • Official transcripts for the previous two years. 

 

The Foundation of NACE Scholarship

The Foundation of NACE Scholarship provides support to members of the hospitality industry who demonstrate leadership abilities. Both industry professionals and students are invited to apply.

The Foundation of NACE Scholarship winners will receive a package of robust career development tools designed to not just financially support their education (payable for any career development education from formal schooling to continuing education programs, from 2023 onwards, certification program also qualify), but to provide multiple opportunities to interact with industry leaders at the NACE Experience.

Applicants are evaluated on scholarly merit, professional endeavors to date and an essay that reflects their career goals and objectives, enthusiasm/passion, and grammar/spelling. Applicants do not have to be members of NACE, but members do get extra points awarded.

Two recipients will be awarded career advancement scholarships with each valued at more than $5,000.

Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • Submit your resume
  • Submit an essay (no more than 1,000 words) that explains how this scholarship will help advance your career. 


Jo C. Dermid Scholarship

The Jo C. Dermid Scholarship honors a member of the NACE community that was not just well-loved, but a pillar of NACE. Her personality and positivity has inspired many over her decades-long hospitality career. This Scholarship is endowed by the Nashville Chapter in her memory.

The Jo C. Dermid Scholarship provides support to members of the hospitality industry who demonstrate leadership abilities. Both industry professionals and students are invited to apply.

The Jo C. Dermid Scholarship winner will receive a scholarship to support their education, payable for any career development education from formal schooling to continuing education programs, to certification programs.  

Applicants are evaluated on scholarly merit, professional endeavors to date and an essay that reflects their career goals and objectives, enthusiasm/passion, and grammar/spelling. Applicants do not have to be members of NACE, but members do get extra points awarded.

One recipient will be awarded the scholarship valued at $1,000.

Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • Submit your resume
  • Submit an essay (no more than 1,000 words) that explains how this scholarship will help advance your career. 

 

Contact

Questions? Contact foundation@nace.net.