CAFÉ has opened applications for its 2026 Awards and Scholarships program, inviting culinary instructors and students to enter for a chance to earn cash prizes and national recognition. Sponsored by CAFÉ and its industry partners, the awards celebrate excellence in entrepreneurship, sustainability, education, community engagement, and innovation—along with naming a Student of the Year. Applications are open now through April 1, 2026. Winners receive complimentary registration to the CAFÉ Leadership Conference in Chicago, June 22–26, where they will be honored at a special ceremony on June 23.
The awards are as follows:
Kendall College/National Louis University Entrepreneurship Award - $1,000 prize
The award identifies culinary programs that either teach or encourage entrepreneurship in their programming or implement revenue-generation and cost savings into their operations. Entrepreneurship can be a part of a program’s design and includes qualities of visionary leadership. Students can learn about innovation and ideation via their college or community. It is open to individuals and culinary programs in secondary and post-secondary schools. Click here for award submission details.
Idaho Potato Commission Educator of the Year Award – Two $1,000 prizes
These awards are open to secondary and post-secondary educators as well as culinary educators working within the non-profit training sector. Click here for award submission details.
Idaho Potato Commission Student of the Year Award - $1,000 prize plus an all-expenses-paid trip to the September 2026 Idaho Potato Harvest Tour
This award is open to any student attending a postsecondary school. Click here for award submission details.
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts Community Outreach Award - $1,000 prize
This award is open to culinary/hospitality programs or individuals making a positive impact in their communities via outreach programs such as food banks, recycling efforts, skill development for the homeless, etc. It is open to individuals and culinary programs in secondary and post-secondary schools. Click here for award submission details.
Details on these additional awards will be coming soon:
- Technology Award, sponsored by RATIONAL
- Innovation, sponsored by CA Milk Advisory Board
- Green Efforts and Successes, sponsored by TBD
Also, an Early Bird registration discount of $50 is available for all who register for the 2026 Deans and Directors Retreat, Leadership Conference or both events before Jan. 31, 2026. Click here for registration details.