As part of an expanding mission, the Classic Center Cultural Foundation will be offering a new culinary scholarship for local college students, with applications due Jan. 10. The restaurant and food production industries are good ones for Athens, in that they attract tourism, which is a big area of concern for the CCCF, so the connection makes sense.

More than anything, the scholarship program seems aimed at students in Athens Tech's Culinary Arts program, but as long as you're from Athens-Clarke, Barrow, Jackson, Madison, Oconee or Oglethorpe County, you are eligible.

The scholarship provides $1,000 to the student and $500 to his or her college. CCCF's Angie Estes provides the following information:

Other eligibility requirements for the scholarship are as follows:

·         Have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
·         Enrolled full-time in a culinary arts program
·         Must be available to participate (if selected) in judging on Jan. 31, 2014
·         Submit a letter of reference from an industry professional or culinary educator

The audition process for this scholarship will take place in conjunction with Athens Wine Weekend, scheduled for Friday, Jan. 31-Sunday, Feb. 2, 2014 at The Classic Center. The applicants will prepare a dish that will be judged by a panel of three local chefs. The scholarship winner will be announced during the Wine Weekend’s Gourmet Dinner on Feb. 1.

The Classic Center Cultural Foundation’s mission is to support the youth in our community by helping to further their education in the arts.

Applications and guidelines are available to download here.

For more information, please contact Stephanie VanDyck, Foundation Special Events Coordinator, at [email protected] or 706.357.4417.