Mississippi Restaurant Association
​Education Foundation​

Each year, the MRAEF offers thousands of dollars in scholarships to students seeking a post secondary degree in restaurant management or culinary arts. We are proud to be able to provide assistance for education to the future leaders of our industry. We encourage students to apply for all scholarships for which they are eligible.

All payments for scholarships will be made directly to the school in which the student is enrolled. NO PAYMENTS WILL BE MADE TO INDIVIDUALS.

ProStart®​ Scholarship » $1000

The ProStart​​®​ Scholarship is open to candidates who have completed the ProStart High School Program. Those who also received their Certificate of Achievement (COA) will be given preference. The applicant must be enrolled in a restaurant management or culinary arts program at an accredited university or culinary school. Students must have and maintain an overall GPA of 2.75. Applicants should include a 750 word essay about one of three topics: "How to Succeed in Today's Restaurant Industry," "How I Plan to Impact the Restaurant Industry in Mississippi," or "My Career Path in the Restaurant Industry."

Tom Cook Memorial Scholarship » $2000

In honor of Tom Cook, a long time member of the Board of Directors at the Mississippi Hospitality & Restaurant Association (MHRA), the MRAEF created a $2000 scholarship in his name. Eligible candidates must be employed by a member in good standing of the MHRA and must be enrolled in a qualified hospitality management or culinary arts program. Each applicant must include a letter of recommendation from the restaurant owner and one member of management. Applicants should include a 750 word essay about one of three topics: "How to Succeed in Today's Restaurant Industry," "How I Plan to Impact the Restaurant Industry in Mississippi," or "My Career Path in the Restaurant Industry."​

Steve Mattison "Over & Beyond" Scholarship » $500

The "Over & Beyond" Scholarship recognizes Steve Mattison's long-term service on the MHRA Board of Directors and on the MRAEF Board of Trustees. The scholarship seeks to recognize a student with a commitment to community service. Candidates must have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA. Applicants must also provide proof of 75 hours of voluntary community service completed within the previous 12 months prior to application. Supervisors and non-profit organizations may email letters as proof to info@msra.org. Applicants should include a 750 word essay about one of three topics: "How to Succeed in Today's Restaurant Industry," "How I Plan to Impact the Restaurant Industry in Mississippi," or "My Career Path in the Restaurant Industry."