Each year, the North Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association’s Foundation awards a wide variety of hospitality scholarships to students across the state of North Carolina. These funds support the pursuit of higher education for future hospitality leaders. In 2022, we awarded $33,000 in scholarship funding to 12 students. To view the 2022 scholarship and grant recipients, click here.
2023-2024 NCRLA Foundation scholarship applications are now open until March 10, 2023.
Expand the Student Scholarship section below to see the available scholarships and deadlines.
To view the 2023 scholarship FAQ, click here. Minimum GPA of 3.0 required for eligibility.
This annual scholarship of $4,000 is given to one graduating high school senior planning to enroll at Johnson and Wales University – Charlotte. This award is renewable and administered by Johnson & Wales University.
Davidson and Jones Hotel Corporation Scholarship
This annual scholarship of $1,000 is given to a rising college junior or senior enrolled in a four-year culinary, hospitality, or related program in North Carolina.
Mary Margaret Traxler Scholarship
This award honors the late founder of the Greater Charlotte Hospitality News. It grants $2,000 to one rising sophomore or junior enrolled in a four-year culinary, hospitality, or related program in North Carolina.
William F. Carl Scholarship
The William F. Carl Scholarship honors the late co-founder of Golden Corral by granting $3,500 annually in scholarships to eligible children of employees working in the hospitality industry. William F. Carl was a firm believer that the dedication and hard work of hourly workers were the industry’s foundation for growth and success. It grants awards to any student under 24 years of age who is attending two- or four-year community colleges or university program in North Carolina.
Vickie Clark-Flaherty Scholarship
The Vickie Clark-Flaherty Scholarship honors the late senior product implementation manager for Golden Corral. It awards $1,000 to women in the foodservice industry. Clark-Flaherty epitomized what it takes to be successful in the foodservice industry: determination, vision and the highest work ethic.
Jimmy Alfano Scholarship
This scholarship honors Angus Barn employee Jimmy Alfano, who had a passion for culinary arts and mentoring young people. Students eligible for this award must have experience as a restaurant employee, with preference given to those with independent restaurant experience or a strong desire to work in an independent restaurant. There are three scholarships available, each in the amount of $3,000.
Pepsi “Service that Sells” Scholarship
Pepsi believes that excellent customer service is the key to success in the hospitality industry. This award is designed for ProStart students and alumni that are pursuing education in hospitality related careers and have already had some customer service experience working in a restaurant or similar job. The amount of this scholarship award is $2,000.
LM Restaurants’ Family Scholarship
In support of current team members and their aspirations, the LM Restaurants and the Moshakos family have designated two (2) annual scholarships in the amount of $2,500 for pursuit of higher education for eligible team members. Lou and Joy have an unwavering commitment to supporting education opportunities for their restaurant family. The family created these scholarships to make it a little easier for deserving, motivated students to pursue their goals and dreams.
