BEN'S ORIGINAL SEAT AT THE TABLE FUND SCHOLARSHIP

In conjunction with The National Urban League and UNCF, Mars Food’s Ben’s Original™ has launched a new scholarship fund to make their aspiration of creating a seat at the table for everyone a reality. The purpose of the scholarship is to create opportunities for underrepresented individuals pursuing bachelor’s and associate degrees and certificate programs in the fields of food science and the culinary arts, with the goal of getting Black individuals high-quality jobs at higher levels within the industry.

Ben’s Original™ Seat at the Table Scholarship Fund will provide educational and mentorship opportunities to underrepresented individuals. Candidates must be admitted to and planning to attend an accredited institution that offers culinary arts and/or food science degrees. In addition, candidates must be pursuing a degree/certificate in fields of study leading to career paths in the food industry.

Note: Employees, officers, and directors of Mars Food US, The National Urban League, and The United Negro College Fund, as well as the immediate family (spouse, parents, siblings, and children) of the employees, officers, and directors of Mars Food US, The National Urban League, and the United Negro College Fund, shall not be eligible for the Program.

The application is now open for the 2022-2023 academic year and students will be awarded in the Fall Term of 2022. Applicants for the program must meet the following requirements:

*Possess a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.

*Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

*Have a demonstrated, unmet financial need.

*Be a U.S. citizen, national, or a permanent resident.

*Be admitted to and planning to attend an accredited institution that offers culinary arts and/or food science degrees/certificates.

*Be interested in pursuing a degree/certificate in furtherance of a career in the food industry, such as chef, or culinary arts, food sciences, agriculture, nutrition/dietician, restaurant management, etc.

Application Requirements:

For consideration, application must be submitted online and include the following:

1. Respond to the essay prompt.

2. A copy of your transcript (an unofficial copy is accepted). Provide a final high school transcript, evidence of completion of a GED, a current transcript from your two-year or four-year college of enrollment, or evidence of successful completion of certificate program course work.

3. A copy of your FAFSA’s Student Aid Report OR applicable financial aid form (ONLY for certificate applicants)

4. An online recommendation from a teacher, professor, counselor, or community leader (letters from a family member or a friend is unacceptable). Please use the recommendation instructions located to the right for further assistance.

For more information, please contact Yves Pierre at yves.pierre@uncf.org