Student Success
Two Baking Students Honored with Prestigious National Scholarship
RALEIGH, N.C. (October 19, 2023) – Wake Tech Baking & Pastry Arts students Victoria Dunn and Amber Quinn are among 18 recipients chosen from across the country for the 2023 US Foods Scholars award. Each scholarship includes $20,000 to help cover education expenses. US Foods awards scholarships to students who demonstrate outstanding potential and achievement in the culinary arts.
Dunn and Quinn, who are both from Raleigh, say they are incredibly grateful and have similar plans for a future in the hospitality industry.
"My goal is to open a bakery and give back to my community," said Quinn. "The US Foods scholarship will help open doors in my educational journey that I cannot due to my financial needs."
Dunn also wants to open a bakery and make a difference in her community.
"The scholarship will help me finish my degree and will be a push to start my career once I graduate," she said. "I will not take this award for granted."
The US Foods Scholars program aims to inspire students to reach their full potential and contribute a meaningful solution to the talent shortage facing the restaurant and hospitality industry.
"The US Foods Scholars program demonstrates our promise to help customers and communities. In addition to supporting the education and development of future culinarians, the program also builds a pipeline of promising talent for our customers," said Dave Flitman, chief executive of US Foods. "These students are making incredible strides toward their future culinary careers, and we are honored to support their achievements and educational goals."
The US Foods Scholars program is administered with the support of Scholarship America and Careers through the Culinary Arts Program. All US Foods Scholars are selected through a formal application process. Each applicant is evaluated based on several criteria, including academic performance, financial need and a personal essay.
Wake Tech's Baking & Pastry Arts associate degree program prepares students for quick entry into the industry in a variety of baking/pastry positions. With experience, graduates can advance from entry-level positions to pastry chef, cake designer or bakery manager. The program also provides students with the skills and knowledge to start their own businesses. Wake Tech also offers degrees in Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management.