RCA Student Conference Sponsorship

[Placeholder: Students networking at the RCA Annual Conference]

The RCA Student and Young Professionals Committee is proud to offer a sponsored opportunity to help students attend the RCA Annual Conference. This sponsorship aims to support the next generation of food professionals by providing financial assistance for travel, lodging, and conference fees.

Why Apply?

This is an opportunity to go to the 2027 Research Chefs Association Conference in Dallas, Texas to experience enriching breakout sessions and keynote speakers while creating strong networks with other students and leaders in the industry. Learn more about the conference!

Students will apply and be selected based on academic excellence. The applicants will be reviewed and selected to receive a reimbursement for travel, lodging, and fees up to $1,200.*

*This is a reimbursement of up to $1,200. If total expenses of the student are less than $1,200 the student will not receive the remainder of the amount.

[Placeholder: Students and professionals engaged in a conference session]

What to Do?

  • Apply by December 4, 2026.
  • If you are chosen, get ready for the excitement of the 2027 RCA Conference! During expo you will have the opportunity to volunteer at your sponsor's booth or walk around the expo with them.
  • Look forward to meeting other students and networking with potential future employers and colleagues.

How to Apply

To apply for the RCA Student Conference Sponsorship, complete the online application form prior to the December 4, 2026 deadline. Ensure all required statements are prepared before beginning your submission.

Application includes the below requests. All questions are required and should be answered in 350 words or less.
  • School, Major, Year in school
  • Are you an RCA member? Have you ever attended an RCA conference before?
  • Information about yourself including hobbies, interests, and aspirations
  • Why you chose your major and how RCA made an impact on your education
  • What has been the best experience in your schooling and/or RCA?
  • What has been your involvement in your school’s department (clubs, tutoring, etc.) and/or RCA (if applicable)? Do you have involvement in extracurriculars outside of your academic department?
  • Academic successes (scholarships, honors, awards, nominations, etc.)
  • How would this sponsorship impact your schooling and your future in the food industry? What would it mean to you?

Timeline

Application Opens: Monday, November 2, 2026

Application Deadline: Friday, December 4, 2026

Recipient Notification: Late December 2026

Conference Dates: March 23-25, 2027

Questions? Contact the committee at [email protected]

Sponsor Opportunities

Email the RCA Student and Young Professionals Committee at [email protected] to show your interest!

[Placeholder: Industry sponsors networking with student scholarship recipients]

Why Sponsor a Student?

Each donation from a sponsor will allow a student to have their travel costs and lodging reimbursed. The winning students will receive up to a $1,200 reimbursement to support their travel to the RCA Annual Conference. This is an opportunity to encourage students to participate and support the next generation of food professionals.

What Will Sponsors Do?

Sponsors will donate $1,500 to support one student. Students will use this to cover costs of travel, hotel, and conference fees. Sponsors will have the opportunity to meet with their students at the RCA Conference and get to know them. Students and sponsors have the chance to volunteer together at the booth of the sponsor or walk the expo with the student (up to the sponsors discretion). Email [email protected] to show your interest.

Thank you very much for your consideration and continued support of RCA and the students that inspire the future!