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The Next Generation of Culinary Leaders

The Aarón Sánchez Impact Fund, a program of Emeril Lagasse Foundation, uplifts the lives of Latino youth through food – creating opportunities for education, mentorship and food access. Its flagship initiative, the Aarón Sánchez Scholarship, provides aspiring young chefs with full scholarships, mentorship, and hands-on training to build successful careers in the culinary arts.

We are searching for passionate and driven young individuals with aspirations of becoming leaders in the culinary field to apply for the Aarón Sánchez Scholarship Class of 2026. This opportunity includes full tuition to culinary school at NOCHI, housing in New Orleans, monthly stipends for groceries and transportation, and mentorship from Chef Aarón Sánchez and other industry professionals. Recipients will study at NOCHI from July through December 2026.

Creating Opportunities through Culinary Education

Every year, the Aarón Sánchez Scholarship opens doors for young people and provides them with a community that shapes their culinary journey. Alumni are proof of how impactful this experience can be.

For Melanie Lodoño, Class of 2024, receiving the scholarship was transformative:

“I received the Aarón Sánchez Scholarship, and it changed my life. The opportunity to meet so many great chefs that wanted to help guide us to our goals is something I will never forget. Thank you for your support and helping future chefs like me!”

Today, Melanie is thriving as a pastry chef at Hotel Zamora in St. Petersburg, Florida, where she continues to build on the foundation the program gave her.

Jasmine Martinez, Class of 2022, credits the program for helping her discover her personal culinary style:

“This program has given me the opportunity to find my culinary voice and make me into the amazing chef that I dream to be, that I am destined to be. I am so thankful.”

Her dedication and passion have led her to New York City, where she is currently a sous chef at JoJo by Jean-Georges.

Jasmine Martinez at JoJo by Jean-Georges

Alumni Leading the Way

Other graduates of the Aarón Sánchez Scholarship are continuing to make their mark across the culinary world:

  • Natalia Colón, Class of 2020 – Owner and chef at Merakí by Chef Nat in Orocovis, Puerto Rico, celebrated two successful years of owning a restaurant.
  • Aimy Sato, Class of 2022 – Joined The Modern inside New York City’s Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) as a line cook.
  • Michael Facio, Class of 2022 – Recently led the Wolfgang Puck Catering team for the U.S. Open Tennis Championships in New York.
Michael Facio at U.S. Open Tennis Championships

Be Part of What’s Next

Your journey could be next. The Aarón Sánchez Scholarship is open to all individuals who are passionate about building a career in the culinary arts and are committed to uplifting the lives of Latino youth through food.

Learn more about eligibility and how to apply at https://www.aaronsanchezimpactfund.com/.

Applications will be open from November 1 through December 30, 2025.