Trotter Project’s Farmer Lee Jones Scholarship

Organization & Scholarship Overview:
The Trotter Project is a 501©(3) nonprofit organization committed to continuing Chef Charlie Trotter’s legacy through mentorship and scholarship programs for youth interested in culinary arts and hospitality. Our mission is to unite budding talent interested in the culinary arts, along with hospitality and service industries, through the Pillars of Excellence Program, which is designed to educate and inspire. The Farmer Lee Jones scholarship is named for James Beard Award winner Farmer Lee Jones, a longtime friend of Chef Charlie Trotter and supporter of The Trotter Project. Farmer Lee Jones is committed to sustainable agricultural practices at his family’s 300-acre farm and is the founder of The Chef’s Garden, through which he works with chefs all over the world to provide flavorful, high quality vegetables, microgreens, edible flowers and more.

Website: The Trotter Project Scholarships
Application: Access Here

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must have 2.5 or higher GPA (unweighted)
• Must be an Illinois Resident
• Must be a high school senior to qualify for scholarships
• Must plan to be an agricultural student enrolled at any accredited college/university in the U.S for fall 2023
• Complete online application (see above for link)

Must submit the following documents:

1. Resume highlighting community service, jobs/internships.
2. Transcript displaying cumulative GPA weighted/unweighted
3. Letter of recommendation from someone who can discuss candidate’s academic achievements and/or character
4. Video expressing how you pursue excellence, your interest in culinary arts/hospitality and long-term goals. This is your opportunity to express individuality/creativity, passion, commitment, and any other positive qualities. Videos should not exceed three minutes.
   *If you experience any difficulties uploading your video, please send video to Program Manager, LaKiesha P. Dunn, at lpdunnthetrotterproject@gmail.com.

Submission Guidelines: Please submit application w/ required documents no later than 11:59pm May 15, 2023. If you are experiencing difficulty uploading your video, please submit via email. This is for VIDEOS ONLY! Please submit other documents through the online application. Documents sent separately will not be accepted. Finalists will be invited to a formal interview. Official transcript will be required for this portion of the selection process.

Open to DREAMers: Yes
Any Questions? Please contact LaKiesha P. Dunn, Program Coordinator at lpdunn@thetrotterproject.org.