Scholarship Process 🍴
Each semester, the Tip Jar board conducts extensive interviews with a diverse group of students in West Michigan who are actively advancing their careers in the food & beverage industry. Through these interviews, the board aims to encourage collaboration and mentorship within the local community, fostering an environment where aspiring chefs, bartenders, and restaurant managers can thrive and contribute to the vibrant culinary scene in the region.
Past Scholarship Recipients 🍴
Each year students are recognized and rewarded through our donors for their want to grow in and influence hospitality in West Michigan. Here are their stories:
Jennifer has been interested in the culinary field since she was a little girl, often losing herself in the joy of cooking and baking. Her mom used to have to pry her away from her play kitchen and her extensive collection of food-related books, which she would read voraciously, imagining herself as a chef in a bustling restaurant. She would never miss an Emeril Lagasse show on the Food Network, her excitement growing with each episode, all while dreaming of one day making it on that network herself. Throughout her time in college, she built a solid reputation with family and friends for baking delicious cupcakes and always having an array of sweet treats on hand during get-togethers and celebrations. However, with a slight, 7-year detour in the medical field, Jennifer realized that baking wasn’t just a fleeting hobby; it was a true calling, a career she wanted to pursue full-time, a realization that ignited a renewed sense of purpose in her life. Now, as she works towards her Baking and Pastry Arts certificate at Grand Rapids Community College’s Secchia Institute for Culinary Education, she is more determined than ever, honing her skills with dedication and creativity. Her future plans are ambitious yet exciting, including the dream of opening a Parisian-style café in West Michigan where locals can enjoy her delectable creations inspired by classic French patisserie techniques. The Tip Jar Foundation is proud to support Jennifer’s career aspirations, recognizing her talent and commitment to making her culinary dreams a reality, as she continues to inspire those around her with her passion for baking.
- Jennifer Dowsett, 2023-2024 Scholarship Recipient 👩🍳
Emma, a budding hospitality entrepreneur studying Hospitality Management at Ferris State University, always knew she wanted to work with people and create memorable experiences for them. After exploring a few restaurant jobs, she realized her passion for the industry and her desire to pursue her hospitality degree with even more determination. During her senior year, she has been diligently commuting from Big Rapids to Grand Rapids, a commitment driven by her aspiration to gain invaluable experience working at the prestigious Amway Grand Plaza. This opportunity has allowed her to immerse herself in a world of luxury and service excellence, enabling her to hone her skills and build a robust professional network. Emma’s dedication to the industry shines through when she speaks passionately about her experiences, challenges, and the potential impact she hopes to make in the hospitality field. We’re overjoyed to support her through her journey, believing wholeheartedly in her future success and the positive influence she will undoubtedly have on the lives of others within this vibrant industry.
- Emma Reid, 2024-2025 Scholarship Recipient 👩💼
The Tip Jar Foundation 