Les Dames d'Escoffier now accepting scholarship applications

If you’re a female food and beverage professional enrolled in a culinary focused program, you could receive up to $3,000 in financial assistance from the Charleston chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier (LDEI). The organization of women F&B leaders is dedicated to promoting education for younger female culinary professionals. And in keeping with its mission, the group is now accepting applications for its 2016 scholarships.

“We started the scholarships five years ago and this year we have $15,000 to give away,” explains Jennifer Goldman LDEI’s Charleston chapter president. In order to serve the city’s burgeoning female F&B community, this year LDEI is expanding its criteria to include individuals looking to complete a certificate program as well, for example a sommelier who might need funds to complete a certified sommelier examination.

The Charleston chapter is made up of 60 women who include people like cookbook author and James Beard Award-winner Nathalie Dupree and James Beard Award-semifinalist pastry chef Lauren Mitterer, women, Goldman says, who have reached a leadership level in their careers and have the resources to mentor younger women.

To be considered for a 2016 LDEI scholarship, applicants must complete the application by June 1. To apply, click here.