Eligibility

Applicants to the Goya Foods Culinary Arts Scholarship Program must meet all of the following criteria:

• Must be entering an accredited two-year or four-year institution as freshmen and majoring in a full-time Culinary Arts or Food Sciences* program for the 2026-27 academic year. Students enrolling in a two-year junior or community college must plan to transfer to a four-year institution to earn a bachelor’s degree and to receive the total maximum scholarship award of $20,000.
• Be a United States citizen, a legal permanent resident, or a student granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).
  • U.S. citizens must provide a copy of their birth certificate, U.S. passport, certificate of citizenship or naturalization certificate.
  • Permanent residents must provide a copy of their current permanent resident card or a current passport stamped I-551.
  • Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) must provide a copy of their DACA approval letter.
• Have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or its equivalent.
• Candidates must be obtaining their first undergraduate degree.
• Applicants may also be children of a Goya employee, broker, or independent driver provided they meet all other eligibility requirements.
• Must be willing to complete 10 hours per month of community service; this activity to be tracked by Scholarship America.

*Including, but not limited to: Food Science, Nutritional Sciences, Hospitality Management, Nutrition and Dietetics, etc.

Selection of Recipients

Scholarship recipients are selected on the basis of:

• Academic performance
• Demonstrated leadership and participation in school and community activities
• Work experience
• A statement of educational and career goals and objectives
• Unusual personal or family circumstances
• An online recommendation

Financial need, as calculated by Scholarship America, is also considered. Financial need must be demonstrated for the student to receive an award.

Selection of recipients is made by Scholarship America. In no instance does any officer or employee of Goya Foods play a part in the selection. All applicants agree to accept the decision as final.

Awards

If selected as a recipient, the student will receive a $5,000 award. Up to four (4) awards will be granted.

Awards may be renewed for up to three additional years or until a bachelor’s degree is earned, whichever occurs first for a maximum scholarship award of $20,000. Renewal is contingent upon continued adherence to eligibility requirements and continuation of the program by Goya Foods.

Awards are for undergraduate study only.

Scholarship Amount: $20,000 (4 awards)

Application Deadline: March 3, 2026