What is IACP? | Our Mission | History of IACP | Scholarship Program

What is IACP?

IACP is a not-for-profit professional association which provides continuing education and development for its members who are engaged in the areas of culinary education, communication, or in the preparation of food and drink.

The Worldwide membership of nearly 4,000 encompasses over 35 countries and is literally a "Who's Who" of the world of food. This diversity not only offers unique insight into the world's cuisines, but provides excellent networking opportunities.

IACP's vision is to be a worldwide forum for the lively development and exchange of information, knowledge, and inspiration within the professional food community.

Our Mission

IACP serves as a resource and support system for food professionals worldwide. Its mission is to help its members achieve career success ethically, responsibly and professionally.

History of IACP

In 1978, a small band of culinary educators founded the Association of Cooking Schools (ACS) to promote the interests of cooking schools and cooking teachers. The organization was incorporated in 1979 and the membership quickly expanded to include teachers and schools from other countries. In 1981, the name was changed to the International Association of Cooking Schools (IACS).

Culinary opportunities began to expand, and membership eligibility was broadened to include food writers, cookbook authors, food stylists, and chefs. Because the organization's focus broadened so rapidly, in 1987 the name was changed to the International Association of Cooking Professionals. When the Food Marketing Communicators organization merged into IACP in 1990, the name was further refined to the International Association of Culinary Professionals.

Since 1990, the association has experienced unprecedented growth. Membership has risen from 1,100 to over 4,000 and conference attendance has quadrupled. Conferences in recent years have taken place in New Orleans, Philadelphia, Chicago, Portland, and Providence. The association is stronger and more closely united than ever before. With implementation of a new strategic plan as its roadmap for the future, IACP is poised to become the pre-eminent professional culinary group in the world.

The IACP Foundation International Scholarship Program

Mission Statement:
The IACP Foundation International Scholarship Program provides funds to qualified applicants for beginning, continuing and specialty education courses at accredited culinary schools world-wide, as well as, independent study for research projects. By providing scholarships for formal culinary education and research projects, the IACP Foundation promotes commitment to culinary education at all stages of individual experience within the foodservice and hospitality industry.

Goals:
This program encourages, enables and assists aspiring students and career professionals to advance their knowledge of the culinary arts. Student award recipients share a mentoring relationship with career professionals in a formal educational environment. Career professionals, who are recipients of independent study awards, use their funds to enhance their research, writing and teaching skills.

Scholarships:
Scholarships are cash and tuition-credit. Scholarship amounts cover a portion of the educational expense at a culinary school. Funds for independent study cover travel and research expenses relevant to the project and duration of the trip.

Recipient Selection:
The IACP Foundation welcomes and accepts international applications for our scholarship program. Recipients are selected on foodservice experience, strength of application, references, skills and merit. Recipients are not selected based on financial need. The applicant must be at least a high school graduate or equivalent by July 1 of the academic year. The applicant must have at least two years of foodservice work experience either paid, voluntary or a combination of both.

Donations to this program should be designated for the Scholarship Fund. For information on how to donate, visit: www.iacpfoundation.com

The IACP Foundation 2003-2004 scholarship recipients have already been selected. The 2003-2004 scholarships are eligible for the academic year beginning after July 1, 2003 but before June 30, 2004. Please apply after September 15, 2003 for our next scholarship cycle.

Want To Apply for a culinary scholarship?
Applications for the 2004-2005 award year will be available after September 15, 2003. Those awards are eligible for the academic year starting July 1, 2004 and ending June 30, 2005. Please revisit www.iacpfoundation.com after September 15, 2003 to download an application, or contact our office with your name and address, if you are interested in applying for a scholarship at that time.

For more information please contact Trina Gribbins at: IACP Foundation, 304 W. Liberty Street, #201, Louisville, KY 40202; Phone: 502/581-9786 ext.264;
Fax: 502/589-3602; E-mail:tgribbins@hqtrs.com

The Julia Child Endowment Fund provides an annual scholarship for a career professional to do independent study in France on French food, wine, history, culture and traditions. The scholarship offsets expenses for travel, research and accommodations. The endowment fund was established in 1997 to perpetuate Julia Child’s culinary interest and legacy.

Donations to this program should be designated for The Julia Child Endowment Fund. Visit www.iacpfoundation.com for information on how to donate.