The Joe Romanowski Culinary Education Foundation was established

in the memory of Joseph Romanowski, who mentored and nurtured

many of the Jersey Shore’s finest up-and coming chefs.

Scholarships will be awarded to students of the

Culinary Education Center, collaboration between

Brookdale Community College and

the Monmouth County Vocational School District.

Important Information About JOCEF scholarships

JOCEF will awarding $5000 scholarships for the 2015-2016 school year.

Last semesterstudents can apply and the award will be $2500.

Scholarship funds are for primary culinary degree only and cannot be used for post grad bakery certificate

Scholarship funds will be disbursed in $2500 increments to coincide with the fall and spring semesters.

Scholarship funds will be paid to Brookdale Community College directly to pay for culinary classes only. No money will be given to the student.

In order to receive the second round of funding for the spring semester, students must maintain a “B”averageand have excellent class attendance. Transcripts will be provided to the JOCEF scholarship committee for evaluation and continuation of scholarship funding.

Scholarship Application

Scholarship Eligibility

For all applicants:

  1. You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and provide proof of residency in Monmouth or Ocean County.
  2. You must be a high school graduate or have completed your GED equivalent.
  3. Scholarship monies are to be used to pay for culinary education classes only within a one year period. Monies will be paid directly to Brookdale Community College.
  4. You must be enrolled at the Culinary Education Center, Brookdale Community College as a full-time student.
  5. You may receive one (1) JOCEF scholarship per school year.
  6. This is a non-transferable award. Should you leave the program any unused scholarship monies will be returned to JOCEF.

Required Supporting Materials (20 Points)

  1. Provide high school or GED transcripts.
  2. Proof of enrollment – examples includes copies of class schedule, tuition bill, or an enrollment letter for incoming students to include start date.
  3. Verification of work experience– work experience can include any paid employment, volunteer experience, community service hours, etc. Verification can be a copy of your pay stub or letter documenting time of work on agency or company letterhead.
  4. Two letters of recommendation – from teachers, guidance counselors, or employers on school or company letterhead. Letters should be sealed and signedand mailed directly to JOCEF P.O. Box 874, Red Bank, NJ 07701. Late references will not be considered.

Essay (Essay 30 points)

  1. Essay – 200-350 words typed and submitted on a separate piece of paper.

Your essay will address the following:

Describe your “Aha” moment that sparked your passion for a career in food industry.

Who and what has inspired you in the food industry?

Describe your goals and how you will use your culinary education to reach them.

If you are not selected for a scholarship, how will this affect your culinary school plans?

Scores for the above will be tallied and you will receive an email notifying you if you have been selected to continue in the application process. JOCEF wishes you the best of luck with your culinary endeavors.

If you are selected to continue you will be notified of the date and time that you will participate in a cooking demonstration. The cooking demonstration has a value up to 50 points and will be added to your supporting materials and essay scores.

Section 1 - Personal Information

Last Name: ______First Name: ______MI: ______

Address: ______

City: ______State: ______Zip: ______

Phone: (cell) ______(Home) ______

Email: ______

Section 2 – Application Checklist

Proof of residency in Monmouth or Ocean County

Proof of enrollment at the CEC

High school or GED transcripts

Verification of work experience

Letters of recommendation mailed to JOCEF P.O. Box 874, Red Bank NJ 07701

(Letters can be included in your application package but must be sealed and signed over the back closure)

Essay – typed on a separate piece of paper

I hereby certify that the information I have submitted is correct. I authorize the release of this information and the information from my grade transcripts to the JOCEF scholarship committee and will provide additional information or verification upon request.

If awarded the scholarship, I grant permission to JOCEF to use the information included in this scholarship application for distribution in both printed and digital matter. I understand that I will not be compensated and that I may not be notified, for each use.

Applicant SignatureDate

1

1-2015