Chicagoland Food Industry Scholarship
For students intending to work in the food industry
Scholarship Application Deadline: February 27, 2026
We believe that every student should have the opportunity to achieve their academic goals to advance their career in the food & beverage industry. These scholarships for students whose permanent address or who attend school in the Chicagoland area.
Scholarship Opportunities
Incoming Freshman
$2,500 – Full-Time Students (for high school seniors)
Undergraduate & Graduate
$5,000 – Full-Time Students
$2,500 – Part-Time Students
Mentorship opportunities
An added benefit for scholarship recipients will be the opportunity to have a mentor from the food science industry and/or academia. The Student Mentorship Program is being planned for a 3-month time period with a total of 6 meetings.
Applying for a Scholarship
Scholarship Application Deadline: February 27, 2026
Submission Requirements
- Scholarship Application (See below for Freshman/Grad links)
- References must complete the references form here.
- Be a student member of IFT. Click here to become a member.
- Be a US citizen or a Permanent Resident / Green Card holder – this is a
requirement - Be pursuing a degree in Food Science or Food Science related area (Dairy
Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, Nutrition, Food Safety, Engineering, etc.) - Be attending school within the Chicago Section IFT boundaries or have a
permanent address within the same boundaries.**Applicable regions include the following zip codes: 60000-61999, 62300-62399, 62500-62799, 46300-46499
Eligibility
- All applicants must provide 2 references. References are required to complete the online reference form. Send this link to your references to be completed no later than February 27, 2026.
How You Can Help – Jurors Needed!
We rely on volunteers, sponsors, and donors to support the work of the Foundation. Consider how you can help us promote the current and next generation of food and beverage industry professionals.
If you’d like to be a juror, contact us.
Join Our Team
- Volunteer in the planning of fundraising events
- Serve as a juror in the Competitive Scholarship Program
- Join our Leadership Team
Sponsor
- Foundation sponsors provide funds that support all of the scholarship programs
- Sponsor at the Gold, Silver, or Bronze level
Donate
- Donate as much or as little as you are able
- All donations support scholarships