Rising STARRS Scholarship
Empowering Aspiring Female Chefs & Culinary Entrepreneurs.
Do you dream of setting up your own restaurant or culinary business one day? Would you like to spend 12 months in the USA, learning from some of the best female chefs and culinary women in business today? With the RISING STARRS Scholarship, this dream can become your reality.
We understand the challenges many talented women face in pursuing their culinary ambitions. Our scholarship is designed to break down those barriers, offering you the opportunity of a lifetime. Not only will this scholarship cover all your fees for the 12-month J1 Trainee Program, but we will also cover your return flights to and from the USA and provide you with a 12-month mentorship that will equip you with the necessary culinary and business know-how to make your future career and business a success!
Join us as we empower the next generation of female culinary leaders. Don’t let distance or resources keep you from reaching your full potential. Apply now and take the first step towards an extraordinary culinary journey.
The Scholarship Includes
12-month Trainee Placement with STARR Restaurants
A guaranteed 12-month placement on the BridgeUSA J1 Trainee Program at one of STARR Restaurants' unique locations in the US, complete with an individualized training plan for the duration of the program.
Exclusive Mentoring Program
A bespoke series of 12 monthly sessions, delivered by senior members of the STARR Restaurant and Alliance Abroad organizations, focusing on a range of business skills every successful culinary entrepreneur will need.
Zero Program Fees & Free Flights
Alliance Abroad will cover the cost of your program fees and your round-trip airfare, so the program is entirely free to the participants. Please note - Embassy fees will still apply.
International Networking
Develop your own international network of ambitious female culinary stars, supporting you on your career journey.
Eligibility
To be eligible to apply for this scholarship you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a recent culinary graduate with at least 1 year of experience in a restaurant kitchen OR
- A professional with at least 5 years of culinary experience
- Speak excellent English
- Be female, aged 18 or over
Mentoring Program
Q1- Full Kitchen Immersion
- Sep 18, 2024: Most common challenges in the kitchen and how to navigate them.
- Oct 16, 2024: Entrepreneurship.
- Nov 13, 2024: How to ask for, provide, and receive feedback.
Q2- Kitchen Operations
- Dec 218, 2024: Business Plan Essentials.
- Jan 15, 2025: How to develop a cuisine concept.
- Feb 19, 2025: Fundraising.
Q3- Front of the House
- Mar 19, 2025: How is the front of the house connected to the kitchen?
- Apr 16, 2025: How to pick/hire your team.
- May 14, 2025: Managing Expectations and Managing Staff.
Q4- Supervision and Business Plan
- June 18, 2025: Communications Skills.
- July 16, 2025: Marketing.
- Aug 20, 2025: Presenting.
Watch all the video stories from our 2023 Rising STARRS Scholarship Winners here
The Process
Submit Application
Complete the application form below. Applications close on May 17th.
Video Submission
Eligible candidates will be invited to submit a video outlining their future culinary goals. The deadline to receive video submissions is May 31st.
Interviews
Shortlisted candidates will then be invited for an online interview in early June.
Scholarship Recipients Announced
Scholarship recipients will be notified by June 21st and should be prepared to travel to the USA by the end of August to start their program.
