DiRōNA and the NRAEF Partnership

In 1989, DiRōNA established an endowment fund in partnership with the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) to encourage students to pursue their dreams within the foodservice industry. Our scholarship program, which is managed by the NRAEF, was born out of this endowment, aiming to inspire and support students to follow their passion for the culinary arts and hospitality.

Through the NRAEF, DiRōNA scholarships contribute to a larger mission that has provided over $26 million in scholarships and grants to more than 5,500 students since 1987. The NRAEF’s commitment to fostering talent and ensuring access to education for aspiring foodservice professionals aligns perfectly with DiRōNA’s vision of preserving and enhancing exceptional dining experiences.

What the Scholarship Represents

This scholarship program is not just about financial support—it’s about fostering a love for the art and science of dining, encouraging students to push boundaries, and inspiring them to reach new heights. It is open to students pursuing degrees in culinary arts, restaurant management, hospitality, or any related field, exceptional dining experiences. Our scholarship recipients are carefully selected through a rigorous review process, considering applications from across North America.

Meet This Year’s Recipients

The seven students awarded this year’s DiRōNA scholarships come from diverse backgrounds, but they all share a deep passion for the hospitality industry. Their dreams range from becoming executive chefs and wine specialists to managing luxury hotels or opening their own restaurants.

Here’s a snapshot of this year’s scholarship winners:

• Nicholas Brown – Culinary Arts-Fine Dining major at the Culinary Institute of America who is driven by a passion for the creative potential of food and aspires to work alongside top chefs, creating exceptional dining experiences that reflect the artistry of his culinary idols.
• Tranean Cade – Culinary Arts major at Milwaukee Area Technical College who has a passion for creating memorable dining experiences drives her ambition to become both a café owner and a culinary instructor, where she hopes to inspire the next generation of chefs.
• Mikayla Johnson – Culinary Arts major at Johnson and Wales who draws inspiration from her early experiences with her Easy Bake oven and medieval-style cooking at renaissance fairs. With the support of this scholarship, she is one step closer to realizing her dream of opening her own restaurant, where she can bring her love for baking and traditional techniques to life.
• Seanna Kryger – Bachelor of Food Studies at George Brown College is passionate about helping young people learn the fundamentals of cooking and aims to increase community food literacy through education.
• Kaleb Johnson – Culinary Arts major attending the Culinary Institute of America who has overcome significant challenges to pursue his passion for exceptional dining experiences. With this scholarship, Kaleb is taking a crucial step toward achieving his goal of becoming a certified Master Chef and opening his own restaurant.
• Rachel Simpson – Hospitality Management at Morgan State University who plans to pursue a master’s in hospitality and attend culinary school, with the ultimate goal of managing a hotel that includes an upscale dining restaurant. 
• Liam Sullivan – Culinary Arts at the Culinary Institute of America who has a strong passion for culinary arts and a vision for his future, Liam is poised to make a significant impact on the upscale dining industry.

These students embody the passion, dedication, and vision that DiRōNA seeks to support. By investing in their education, we are investing in the future of exceptional dining experiences, knowing that they will continue the legacy of excellence that DiRōNA stands for.

Why Supporting Hospitality Students Matters

For restaurant owners, diners, and even students reading this, the importance of nurturing new talent in the hospitality industry cannot be overstated. Exceptional dining is more than just a meal—it is an experience that requires exceptional skill, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to quality. The students we support today will be the leaders who continue to shape the industry tomorrow.

As a restaurant owner, you play a key role in this ecosystem. For restaurant owners, nurturing young talent is an investment in the future of your business and the industry as a whole. For diners, these scholarships translate into the evolving and exciting culinary experiences you love. And for students pursuing careers in hospitality, it’s proof that there’s a community rooting for your success.

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate this year’s scholarship recipients, we also look forward to continuing this tradition in the years to come. By offering financial support, mentorship, and a platform for future leaders, DiRōNA remains dedicated to upholding the highest standards of excellence in the dining industry.

To learn more about the DiRōNA scholarship program or explore how you can contribute to shaping the future of the hospitality industry, visit https://dirona.com/scholarships/.

Let’s continue to support and inspire the next generation of hospitality professionals—because the future of exceptional dining experiences is bright, and it’s in their hands.