Culinary scholarship applications being accepted by The American Institute of Wine & Food

The San Diego Chapter of The American Institute of Wine & Food looks forward to accepting culinary, oenology/viticulture, and beverage studies scholarship applications through Sept. 29 for study in 2015.

AIWF (www.aiwf.org) is a national educational nonprofit founded in 1981 by the late Julia Child, the late Robert Mondavi, the late Richard Graff, and others to promote a forum for the study and enjoyment of gastronomy.

The chapter awards scholarships, generally in the amounts of $1,000 to $5,000, for full or part-time study at accredited schools offering relevant hands-on, in-person experience in San Diego or nationwide. To be eligible, applicants must be connected to the San Diego area through school, work, or recent involvement in food and wine/beer/spirits.

Past recipients have studied at The Culinary Institute of America at Hyde Park and Greystone, San Diego Culinary Institute, UC Davis, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Johnson & Wales, New England Culinary Institute, Neptune School of Wine, International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California-San Diego, Master Court of Sommeliers, and the Pastry Program at Grossmont College. Last year, AIWF awarded scholarships to 17 residents of San Diego County.

The AIWF San Diego Scholarship Program has been the beneficiary of funds raised through auctions at the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival (www.sandiegowineclassic.com), since the festival’s inaugural year in 2004, thanks to AIWF San Diego Board Members and festival founders Ken Loyst and Michelle Metter. Through the generosity of the John M. and Sally B. Thornton Foundation, AIWF San Diego offers an annual scholarship in oenology studies in their honor.

For scholarship applications and details, visit www.aiwf.org/sandiego/scholarships.html or email llipton21@gmail.com.