Chefs and restaurant owners are often asked how they can better support their community and give back to those in need. Most chefs have seen firsthand the needs within their neighborhoods and communities, yet for some, this becomes a personal calling. That’s precisely what Chef Aarón Sánchez has done through his work with Emeril Lagasse Foundation.
As a Mexican-American chef, Aarón noticed that while many kitchen teams are made up of Hispanic workers, few hold leadership roles. Determined to make a difference, he created a scholarship program for young Latinos attending culinary school, providing access to formal education and mentorship that propel careers and turn dreams into reality. His big-picture goal is to diversify leadership in restaurant kitchens. Launched in 2016, this scholarship program has since evolved into the Aarón Sánchez Impact Fund, now a program of Emeril Lagasse Foundation, where it continues to uplift Latino youth through culinary arts.
Chef Aarón’s friend and mentor, Chef Emeril Lagasse, has been an inspiration from the start. As one of the first celebrity chefs to leverage his influence for philanthropy, Chef Emeril welcomed Chef Aarón’s program into Emeril Lagasse Foundation in 2022. Together, they work to inspire, mentor, and enable youth to reach their full potential.
About the Aarón Sánchez Impact Fund
The Aarón Sánchez Impact Fund, a program of Emeril Lagasse Foundation, has awarded 19 culinary arts scholarships to young Latinos since 2016, totaling more than $1.2 million. Recently, the program expanded its reach to include human services, offering grants to eligible nonprofits focused on nutrition education and food access for Latino youth. These complementary efforts reflect a shared commitment to empowering young people through education, mentorship, and access to resources for lifelong success.
Aarón Sánchez Scholarship
These scholarships provide essential financial support, covering tuition and supplies, round-trip flights, paid housing, a monthly stipend for groceries and transportation, a custom internship, and mentorship from Chef Sánchez and his hospitality network. This level of support ensures that recipients can focus on their studies and career growth without financial strain.
Changing Lives
Meet Jasmine, a young Latina with Colombian and Puerto Rican heritage who grew up with her mother in a small town in upstate New York. While working as a cook in a locally owned restaurant, Jasmine heard about the Aarón Sánchez Scholarship, applied, and was selected in a highly competitive process for the Class of 2022. Her scholarship allowed her to attend the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City. This award-winning culinary arts program allowed her to pursue her dream of becoming a successful restaurant chef.
Through her externship at Chef Jean-Georges’ JoJo restaurant, Jasmine secured a full-time position as a line cook and quickly advanced to sous chef, embracing her role in the fast-paced environment. With aspirations of gaining culinary experience in Europe, Jasmine embodies the impact of the Aarón Sánchez Scholarship in helping young Latinos achieve their career goals.
Apply for the Class of 2025
Jasmine is one of 19 young Latinos who have graduated from culinary arts school with the support of an Aarón Sánchez Scholarship—and that number is growing. Applications for the Class of 2025 are open through December 30, 2024. The program will award five scholarships for its next cohort of young Latinos to study culinary arts at New Orleans Culinary and Hospitality Institute beginning in July 2025. To learn more about scholarship benefits and eligibility requirements and to apply, visit www.aaronsanchezimpactfund.com/apply.
Support Latino Youth
Community support is essential to sustaining the Aarón Sánchez Impact Fund. This work is made possible by charitable proceeds from special events and donations from corporations, small businesses, foundations, and individuals. To learn more about supporting Latino youth in the culinary arts, visit www.aaronsanchezimpactfund.com.
