2009 National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation
Coca-Cola Salute to Excellence Scholarship

The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) and The Coca-Cola Company are reaching out to college students to offer the support they need to continue their education in the restaurant and foodservice industry. The NRAEF and Coca-Cola will offer two (2) $5,000 scholarships to student honor delegates confirmed to participate in the 2009 Michael E. Hurst Student Forum.

HOW TO APPLY

Please follow the FIVE steps below to complete your Application Packet. All materials must be mailed to the NRAEF and postmarked by the deadline date.

STEP #1: Make sure you are qualified for this scholarship. Please read through the qualifications below. If you don’t meet ALL of these qualifications you are not eligible to apply.

To be eligible to apply, you must:

• Be a citizen or permanent resident* of the United States of America 
• Be a student honor delegate participating in the 2009 Michael E. Hurst Student Forum
• Be a college student currently enrolled full-time or substantial part-time (minimum of 9 credit hours) in a foodservice related program at an accredited culinary school, college, or university
• Be enrolled for two consecutive semesters or not be entering your last semester before graduating
• Have completed at least one grading term of your college or post-secondary program
• Be enrolled for two consecutive terms or not entering your last semester before graduating

STEP #2: Complete the required essay(s) for the Coca-Cola Salute to Excellence Scholarship

The three essays are required as part of the scholarship application packet and must be submitted with your printed and signed application form and other required documents as outlined in these instructions. Essays must be typed and double-spaced. Please put your name at the top of each page of your essays. Your essays must address each item in the essay questions.

Essay #1: Personal Statement (Word Count: 200-300 words)

• What is your ultimate career goal in the restaurant/foodservice industry?
• Tell us about your background and experience. Discuss your education and work experience.
• What do you need to do to achieve your career goals? Discuss your educational, work, and personal plans that will help you to reach your career goals.
• Why do you think the restaurant industry is a great place for a career?

Essay #2 (Word Count: 300-400 words)

• What experience or person (e.g. mentor, supervisor, etc) most influenced you in selecting the restaurant and foodservice as your career choice?
• What did you learn from this person?
• How will this help you reach your career goals in the foodservice industry?

Essay #3 (Word Count: 200-300)

• Many people think that companies should help support their local communities through philanthropic efforts. How do you plan to contribute to your local community during your career as a restaurant and foodservice professional?
• Please describe any volunteer activities or community service projects you have been involved with. Tell us how you were able to support your community or help others through these efforts. What did you learn from this experience?

1. Signed hard copy of your online application.
2. Typed essays. They are not completed in the online application form, but must be typed separately and mailed in with the printed, completed application.
3. A copy of your college curriculum (from your college catalog) with the number of credit hours detailed. Please do NOT include the entire catalog.
4. A transcript from your current institution (unofficial copies are acceptable; report cards are not)
5. Verification of work experience. Work experience can include any paid employment, volunteer experiences, community service hours, or kitchen/lab experience as part of your education. You will be judged on the work hours that are verified by the following documents. No other documents will be accepted.

   a. Copies of paycheck stubs. Please do not send copies of W-2 forms; they are not proof of hours worked.            
   b. A letter from your employer, supervisor, or teacher verifying your total work hours. It must be on company or school letterhead. Make sure you tell them to include the number of hours you worked.

    6. One to three letters of recommendation from current or previous employer(s) or teacher in the restaurant and or foodservice industries. The letters must be on company or school letterhead.

OTHER IMPORTANT SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION INFORMATION

REASONS FOR DISQUALIFICATION, IN-ELIGIBILTY, AND RESTRICTIONS

• Your Application Packet will not be considered if it is:

             * Handwritten 
             * Incomplete (missing any of the required documentation described above)
             * Not signed. If you are under 18 years old, your parent or guardian must also sign it.
             
• Please do not send any paperwork that has not been requested. Do NOT put your Application Packet into a report cover, binder, or file.
• You may only receive one NRAEF scholarship per calendar year. NRAEF scholarships are paid over two consecutive terms, and overlapping scholarships are not permitted.

If you have any questions about the application process contact the NRAEF Scholarships Program office at 800-765-2122, ext. 6738 or scholars@nraef.org.

The NRAEF wishes you success in your academic and career goals.