Goya Foods Culinary Arts Scholarship Program

Scholarship Sponsored by Goya Foods

Introduction
Applicants to the Goya Foods Culinary Arts Scholarship Program should carefully review the requirements below. The scholarship supports students beginning college in the 2026–27 academic year who plan to pursue undergraduate study in culinary- or food-related fields.

Eligibility
- Must be an incoming freshman (2026–27 academic year) at an accredited two‑ or four‑year college or university and intend to enroll full time in a Culinary Arts or Food Sciences* major. Students who begin at a two‑year or community/junior college must have plans to transfer to a four‑year institution and complete a bachelor’s degree in order to be eligible to receive the full maximum scholarship amount of $20,000.
- Must be one of the following: a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident, or a student approved under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).
- U.S. citizens must provide one of: birth certificate, U.S. passport, certificate of citizenship, or naturalization certificate.
- Permanent residents must provide a current permanent resident card (green card) or a passport stamped I‑551.
- DACA recipients must provide a copy of their DACA approval letter.
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).
- Seeking their first undergraduate degree.
- Children of Goya Foods employees, brokers, or independent drivers are eligible if they satisfy all other criteria.
- Must agree to perform 10 hours of community service per month while participating in the program; community service hours will be monitored by Scholarship America.

*Fields may include, but are not limited to: Food Science, Nutritional Sciences, Hospitality Management, Nutrition and Dietetics, etc.

Selection of Recipients
Scholarship winners are chosen based on a combination of:
- Academic achievement
- Leadership and involvement in school and community activities
- Work experience
- A personal statement outlining educational and career goals
- Any unusual personal or family circumstances
- An online recommendation

Financial need, as calculated by Scholarship America, is also required and must be demonstrated for an award to be made.

All recipient selections are determined solely by Scholarship America. Goya Foods officers and employees do not participate in the selection process. Applicants agree to accept Scholarship America’s decisions as final.

Awards
- Each selected student receives a $5,000 scholarship. Up to four (4) scholarships may be awarded.
- Awards may be renewed for up to three additional years (for a total of up to four years) or until the recipient earns a bachelor’s degree, whichever comes first, for a maximum total award of $20,000.
- Renewal depends on maintaining eligibility requirements and on Goya Foods’ continued sponsorship of the program.
- Scholarships are intended for undergraduate study only.