Scholarships

Education Scholarships

Scholarship opportunities are an exclusive ICA member benefit.

The hospitality industry has diversity at its core. We serve people from every background, culture, and community, and we thrive by creating inclusive spaces where everyone feels welcome. Our companies are built on teamwork and collaboration, bringing together individuals with unique perspectives and experiences. This makes our industry stronger and ensures that people feel safe, seen, heard, and valued for both their contributions and who they are.

That is why the International Caterers Association is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion where respect and belonging are essential. A key expression of this commitment is our annual ICA Education Scholarship Program. Applications for 2026 are now closed; 2027 will open shortly.

APPLICATION - CLICK TO VIEW

Scholarship Application

Application is closed and will open November 2027.
Please feel free to study the application for practice. 

First
Last
State or Country
Have you been a member of the International Caterers Association (ICA) for over one year?
(Check all that apply)
0 of 200 max words
Maximum three short term and long term each. Bullet points with a short explanation are acceptable. Do not use your company name in your response. (200 words max)
0 of 200 max words
Do not use your company name in your response. (200 words max)
0 of 200 max words
Do not use your company name in your response. (200 words max)
Yes, if my company wins an ICA DEI scholarship, I will provide a testimonial within 14 days of returning from Catersource and provide a video testimonial on-site at Catersource.
Yes, if my company wins an ICA DEI scholarship, I will provide the scholarship winner's name, title, email address, and headshot within seven (7) days.
Yes, I have reviewed and agree to the eligibility requirements and policies as outlined.
Yes, I confirm that the information I have provided in this application is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge.

Congratulations to Our 2026 Recipients!

Tara Bauer, Events & Wedding Sales Manager, Creative Cuisine and Events
Emma M. Cromedy, Chief Operations Manager, Carolima’s
Jessica Forero, Owner, El Cholo Catering
Trenton Gentry, Executive Chef, Rio Brazos Catering
Brooke Maier, Floral & Design Coordinator, The JDK Group
Hugo Robertson, Event Manager, Catering Creations
Stephen Rogers, Sous Chef, Dutzel’s Catering & Events
Angela Wilkerson, Operations Director, Catering Works
Wendy Armstrong, Owner, Thrive Catering

View past years’ recipients: 2025 | 2024 | 2023

Eligibility for Scholarships

The ICA Diversity & Inclusion Scholarships are available to catering companies that have been ICA members for at least a year and have at least 50% of their upper management composed of individuals from underrepresented groups in the catering industry.

These groups include, but are not limited to:

  • African American
  • Asian/Pacific Islander
  • American Indian
  • Latin(o/a)/Latinx
  • LGBTQIA+
  • People with disabilities
  • Veterans
  • Woman-owned businesses

What's Included in the scholarship?

Each winning member company is awarded a complimentary pass to attend the Cater+ Event conference for that calendar year. In 2027 the conference will be held in New Orleans, Louisiana – March 22-25, 2027. The value of a single scholarship is currently $1300. The company can then select the attendee from their organization.

Thank you to...

c-e-logo-73acb01b4bdd47dde11f231f20a62a19