About The Program

Les Dames d’Escoffier, BC Chapter is proud to grant scholarships annually to women of any age and at any stage of their culinary, beverage or hospitality career who are looking to either refine or expand their expertise at a credible educational institution of their choice anywhere in the world.

To date, Les Dames d’Escoffier, BC Chapter has granted over $300,000 in funds to support scholars since our inception in 1992.

2026 Scholarship Applications Are Closed

Please check back for the next application cycle.

View application guidelines | Meet our 2026 scholarship recipients


Eligibility

  • Scholarships are open to all women and those who identify as women.
  • Applicants must be BC residents.
  • Applicants can be awarded a Les Dames scholarship more than once, depending on the circumstance, and if their previous application was unsuccessful, they are encouraged to apply again.

Scholarship Evaluation Criteria

The Scholarship Committee, comprised of Les Dames d’Escoffier, BC Chapter members, reviews and scores each application based on four criteria:

  • dedication and commitment
  • ability
  • goals
  • merit

Important Details

  • Not all applicants are awarded funds.
  • Les Dames d’Escoffier, BC Chapter scholarship funds can be used for tuition only (unless otherwise stated for sponsored awards).
  • Scholarships may range in value anywhere between $250 and $10,000 depending on funds available, program requirements and approved applicants.
  • In order to make the scholarships impactful and meaningful, the Scholarship Committee is restricted to only granting up to thirty scholarships in any given calendar year.
  • Most scholarships awarded rarely constitute a complete tuition, therefore you must be able to provide the remaining funds through other sources.
  • Funding must be used in the calendar year in which the scholarship is awarded.
  • Les Dames d’Escoffier, BC Chapter scholarship program is a reimbursement-based program. Successful scholarship recipients must present proof of tuition payment in order to receive your scholarship funds.
  • Scholarships supported or provided by other organizations through the Les Dames d’Escoffier, BC Chapter scholarship program are only awarded if a suitable candidate is deemed as qualified.
Les Dames BC event, photographed by Leila Kwok

ADDITIONAL SPONSORED SCHOLARSHIPS

We are also extremely fortunate to work with highly reputable BC organizations who provide additional scholarship opportunities through our annual program.

By working together, we strive to make a difference – not only to individual lives, but also to our hospitality, food and beverage industries overall.

We are immensely grateful and thank each one of you for supporting the endeavors of the Les Dames d’Escoffier, BC Chapter and our future women leaders.

Boulevard Kitchen and Oyster Bar Photo of Boulevard Kitchen and Oyster Bar

Thanks to the generous support of Boulevard Restaurant and Oyster Bar, this award is given to a deserving applicant in the hospitality industry.
Les Dames Cacao Barry Chocolate Academy Scholarship Photo of Les Dames Cacao Barry Chocolate Academy Scholarship

Thanks to the generous support of Cacao Barry and Chocolate Academy, one award, consisting of course credit of up to $1,025 (not to exceed tuition), towards a professional level course, will be made to a deserving applicant.
Michel Jacob Scholarships Photo of Michel Jacob Scholarships

The Michel Jacob Scholarships support students in two complementary culinary paths: Future of Culinary Arts and Stage Abroad. Named after Chef Michel Jacob, they empower the next generation of culinary professionals who reflect his dedication to excellence, innovation, and mentorship.

 

 

Stage Abroad Award Qualifications

  • Submit a formal letter of employment or acceptance from the host kitchen or culinary establishment abroad [will be required if awarded]
  • Provide a copy of an approved working visa or documentation proving eligibility to legally complete the stage in the host country [will be required if awarded]
  • Complete the full duration of the stage as outlined in the submitted employment agreement.
  • Conduct themselves with professionalism and integrity, upholding the standards of both the Sponsor and the host kitchen.
  • Submit a written reflection or report upon completion, detailing key learnings and experiences.
  • Agree in writing to return to British Columbia upon completion of the stage and commit to contributing to the province’s culinary industry for a minimum of 24 months.
Northwest Culinary Academy of Vancouver Photo of Northwest Culinary Academy of Vancouver

Thanks to the generous support of Northwest Culinary Academy of Vancouver, this award of up to $3,000, is made to a deserving applicant who is a new student at Northwest Culinary Academy of Vancouver, in Professional Culinary, Professional Pastry or Professional Culinary/Pastry programs.
Pastry Training Centre of Vancouver Photo of Pastry Training Centre of Vancouver

Thanks to the generous support of Pastry Training Centre of Vancouver, this award of up to $1,000, is made to a deserving applicant in professional development programs.
Service Excellence Scholarship in Honour of Tina Fineza Photo of Service Excellence Scholarship in Honour of Tina Fineza

Thanks to the generous support of the Fineza family, and in partnership with Two Rivers Specialty Meats, this scholarship provides an opportunity to learn more about the humane treatment of animals and sourcing local, sustainable ingredients. This 2-day experience includes a farm tour, butchery teaching, and tastings. The date and final agenda are to be agreed upon according to the schedule of Two Rivers Meats. There are 2 scholarships available in 2026. Partial support for transport and hotel accommodations may be included.
Snow Cap Fund Photo of Snow Cap Fund

Snow Cap Enterprises is generously sharing the success they have gained in 40+ years of excellence in bakery and food service supply. Company President Linda Seiffert has been a member of Les Dames d’Escoffier BC since 2013. Dame Linda continues her family’s commitment to the customers and employees that have built the company, and supports the academic development of future great bakers! The Snow Cap Fund provides up to $5,000 towards a professional Baking, Pastry or Confectionert program at a credible institution.
The Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts Photo of The Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts

Thanks to the generous support of Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts, this award of up to $1,500, is made to a deserving applicant who is a new student at Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts, in Professional Culinary Arts or Professional Baking & Pastry Arts programs.

Application Process

2026 Application Guidelines (For Reference)

The 2026 application cycle is closed. These guidelines are retained for reference; please check this page for details of the next application cycle.

Application Guidelines:

  1. Please make sure you have all the relevant information regarding the course you would like the Les Dames d’Escoffier, BC Chapter (“LDBC”) Scholarship Program to help fund; for example, the name of the course, name of the institution where the course is offered, the cost of the course (in Canadian funds), etc.
  2. Provide a current resume that includes your employment history, educational record, and any training relevant to furthering your skills in the culinary, beverage and/or hospitality industries. Upload your resume into the application form under “File Uploads” as a PDF document. Please use the following naming format: “initial.LastName-resume.pdf.
  3. Obtain TWO current letters of professional recommendation outlining your suitability for LDBC scholarship funding. Upload your letters into the application form under “File Uploads” as PDF documents. Please use the following naming format for each: Initial.LastName-Ref1.pdf and Initial.LastName-Ref2.pdf.
  4. Prepare an essay. The application form requires a personal essay regarding your culinary, beverage and/or hospitality goals, whether professional or non-professional, and how the course for which you are requesting funding will help you achieve your goals. When completing this essay, keep in mind the values of the Les Dames d’Escoffier (Dedication and Commitment, Ability, Merit and Seriousness), share your passion, commitment and enthusiasm for your chosen path, and explain how the LDBC can help you on your journey. Please note that there is a 5,000 character (approx. 1000 words) maximum for the essay.
  5. For further information or help with the application process, contact info@lesdames.ca.

Scholarship Recipients 2026

Group photograph of past Les Dames BC scholarship recipients
Scholarship recipients from a previous year.

Congratulations to our 2026 scholars, whose awards support education and professional development across food, beverage and hospitality.

  • Stephanie Alexander (Surrey)
    WSET Level 3
  • Isabel Atherton (Vancouver)
    Professional Cook 1 Plus
  • Rachelle Beauchamp (Courtenay)
    WSET Level 2
  • Mel Beaudry (Victoria)
    The Architecture of Entremets
  • Alyssa Brochu (Vancouver)
    WSET Level 2, Wines and WSET Level 2, Spirits
  • Lauryn Cooper (Burnaby)
    Service Excellence Scholarship in Honour of Tina Fineza
  • Noura Ezzarouali (Burnaby)
    Professional Chocolate Diploma Program
  • Julie Ferris (Qualicum Beach)
    WSET Level 3
  • Katie Harney (Victoria)
    Italian Pasta Program
  • Shannon Harvey (Whitehorse)
    Baking and Pastry Arts Management Diploma
  • Sharon Janzen (Black Creek)
    Croissant Camp
  • Nancy Kwong (Victoria)
    Asian Culinary Arts
  • Sofia Leturia (Vancouver)
    Bombons and Snacking Bars: Textures, Colours and Flavours 2.0
  • Paula Lyons (Maple Ridge)
    Sourdough Simplified
  • Barbara Martins Hoffmann (Heriot Bay)
    Service Excellence Scholarship in Honour of Tina Fineza, Two Rivers Meats
  • Madja Melo (Vancouver)
    Professional Chocolatier Certification Program
  • Jennifer Nguyen (Vancouver)
    WSET Level 3
  • Béatrice Niyonzima (Port Coquitlam)
    Food Processing, Safety and Quality
  • Marlaina O’Donnell (Prince George)
    WSET Level 1
  • Isabella Rodriquez (Salmon Arm)
    Baking and Pastry Arts
  • Connie Schaad (Black Creek)
    Artisan Bread Camp
  • Jill Singleton (Chilliwack)
    Qualifying Studies
  • Alexandria Skye (Courtenay)
    WSET Level 1
  • Sarah Wimmer (Nelson)
    Professional Instructor Diploma Program
  • Jessica Ye (Vancouver)
    WSET Diploma
  • Janice Kim (Vancouver)
    Food Technology