Advancing Skills at New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute

We’re thrilled to recognize the accomplishments of two promising students, Kendrick and Genius, who are both recipients of the Emeril Lagasse Foundation Scholarship. This scholarship, established at NOCHI in 2022, supports alumni from our beneficiary programs as they pursue further education in the culinary arts. Kendrick, a graduate of Liberty’s Kitchen, and Genius, a graduate of the Louisiana Restaurant Association’s ProStart program, began NOCHI’s 100-day Culinary Arts Certificate Program in June and will graduate in December.

Our support of NOCHI began in 2017 when Chef Emeril announced a challenge grant, pledging $250,000 to help launch the institution. Since then, our commitment to NOCHI has grown, and today, we continue to support the next generation of culinary leaders through initiatives like the Aaron Sanchez Scholarship, which benefits Latino youth, and the Emeril Lagasse Foundation Scholarships, which provide opportunities for alumni from programs we have supported over the years.

Kendrick, an aspiring entrepreneur with deep ties to his family’s business, Loretta’s Pralines, joined NOCHI’s cohort as a highly recommended Liberty’s Kitchen graduate.

Genius, a recent high school graduate, joins NOCHI with a passion for learning and a dream of becoming “as great of a chef as Chef Emeril.” Guests at our 2023 Patron Party may remember Genius from the ProStart serving station.

NOCHI provides invaluable opportunities for young people in New Orleans who aspire to launch or advance their culinary careers. By building a skilled hospitality workforce, New Orleans can continue to feed the industry that is integral to its culture and economy.