Undergraduate Scholarship Application

Scholarship awards ranging from $2,000-$7500 are made possible by our generous donors:

Two (2) T. Kevin McNicholas Foundation Scholarships 

Knobel Family Scholarship 

Chris Weil, Kae De Brent Hodges Foundation

Mile High Chapter Scholarship 

Two (2) Fred M. Laurita Scholarships

DiPasquale Family Foundation Scholarship 

MIBE Scholarship 

Swire-Coca Cola Scholarship

 

The Colorado Restaurant Foundation, in partnership with our Scholarship Donors, awards scholarships to qualified students in foodservice/hospitality management programs.  Applicants must have demonstrated strong interest in the foodservice/hospitality industry, as evidenced through documentable work experience in the industry. CRF scholarships are merit-based. Demographic information is not used to establish eligibility; financial information collected through this application is for data-collection purposes only and will not impact scholarship award decisions. 

 

Eligibility Criteria:

Note:  Any applications which do not meet the following criteria or are not legible will be automatically disqualified.

• You must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident.
• You must plan to use the scholarship in a foodservice/hospitality-related program at an accredited post-secondary institution/program in the state of Colorado.
• You must be enrolled or plan to enroll as a full-time or substantial part-time student, taking a minimum of 9 credit hours each term.
• You must plan to be enrolled for at least two upcoming consecutive semesters.
• You must have at least six months of industry-related work experience.
• Applicants who meet the minimum criteria will be invited to interview with the scholarship committee. An interview is required to be awarded a scholarship.
• Scholarship recipients will be announced in February 2026. Award winners must attend the CRF Champions Dinner at Reelworks Denver (1399 35th St, Denver, CO 80205) on March 4th, 2026 @5pm. 

Please Submit:

• Completed application, indicating "N/A" (not applicable) where appropriate
• Resume (2 pages maximum)
• Transcript from all colleges and universities attended
• 2 letters of recommendation (at least one must be from a current or previous employer)

Application, resume, transcripts, and letters of recommendation can be sent via email or mail to:

Colorado Restaurant Foundation

ATTN: Lexi Nines

430 E. 7th Avenue

Denver, CO 80203-3600

303-830-2972

lnines@corestaurant.org

Judges will score the following:

• Industry-related work experience and/or hospitality-related course work
• Letters of recommendation 
• Application essay questions (questions should be answered carefully and clearly)
• 20-minute interview with Scholarship Committee (to be held in Febuary 2026)

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Deadline, award announcement, and payment timeline:

• Application Deadline: Thursday, January 15th , 2026 – application and transcripts must be postmarked by this date. No exceptions.
• CRF Scholarship Celebration:Award recipients will be notified in Febuary of 2026. However, CRF will formally celebrate recipients at its annual celebration event in February of 2026. Additional details will be provided. Your attendance at this event is mandatory if you are a scholarship recipient.
• Funds will be disbursed in two equal payments, the first half in fall 2026 and the second half in spring 2027 upon verification of your continued enrollment in a qualified program.

Note: CRF scholarships are merit-based. The following demographic information is for data-collection purposes only and will not impact scholarship award decisions.

Post-Secondary Education History, if applicable:                  
List in order, beginning with the most recent.  Reminder: you must provide a transcript from each college or university listed below.

Indicating “N/A” (not applicable) in all fields when appropriate

Expenses  - Per Year

Income  - Per Year

To the best of my knowledge, I have provided the Colorado Restaurant Foundation full and truthful information concerning all questions on this application.  If chosen for the award, I agree to participate in an awards presentation, and to make available a photograph and written material (per request) for publication of my selection.  I agree that if I have obtained support under false representation, I will repay the total amount to the CRF.

By signing (typing your legal name) in the space below, you are certifying that all information is correct and that you are the person completing this application. When you press the submit button, you will receive an email confirmation that your application was received. Please print for your records and retain as verification of your application.