Hospitality business owners are often asked how they can meaningfully support their communities and give back to those in need. Many have witnessed the challenges within their neighborhoods firsthand, but for some, this need becomes a personal mission. That’s precisely what Chef Aarón Sánchez has embraced through his work with Emeril Lagasse Foundation.
As a chef and restaurant owner, Aarón launched a scholarship program to support young aspiring chefs pursuing formal culinary education—opening doors to mentorship, professional training, and the opportunity to transform passion into long-term careers. What began in 2016 as a scholarship initiative has since grown into the Aarón Sánchez Impact Fund, now a program of Emeril Lagasse Foundation, continuing its commitment to uplifting the lives of Latino youth through food.
Chef Aarón’s friend and mentor, Chef Emeril Lagasse, has played an important role in this journey. As one of the first celebrity chefs to harness his platform 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 has awarded 27 scholarships in culinary arts and baking & pastry since 2016, totaling more than $1.6 million in support. In recent years, the Impact Fund expanded its reach to include human services grants for nonprofits focused on nutrition education and food access for Latino youth. These complementary efforts reflect the Fund’s broader mission: to champion education, mentorship, and equitable access to opportunities that help young people thrive.
Aarón Sánchez Scholarship
Each scholarship provides wraparound support that removes financial barriers for students. Awards include tuition and supplies, round-trip flights, paid housing, a monthly stipend for groceries and transportation, a customized internship, and mentoring from Chef Sánchez and his professional hospitality network. This comprehensive model ensures recipients can focus fully on their education and career development.
Changing Lives
Giovanna, whose family roots trace back to Mexico and Honduras, earned her Culinary Arts Certificate from the renowned Institute of Culinary Education in New York City with an Aarón Sánchez Scholarship. Her passion for food and culture, paired with a relentless drive to learn, made her a standout candidate for the scholarship.
Following graduation, Giovanna was selected for the prestigious Food Network Fellowship—a paid, full-time, four-month experience that immerses young culinary professionals in the fast-paced world of food media. As a Fellow, Giovanna rotated through every major division under the guidance of the head director of culinary at Food Network:
- Operations: She gained insight into how a food media empire runs behind the curtain.
- Magazine: From recipe development to hands-on testing, she worked toward having one of her own recipes published, bringing her flavors and heritage to a national audience.
- Digital: Giovanna sharpened her food styling techniques and learned the ropes of equipment testing and content creation.
- On Set: Whether prepping ingredients or supporting live shoots, she became an integral part of the culinary production team.
Giovanna embraced every moment of the Fellowship—absorbing the details, building her creative voice, and forging relationships that can lead to future opportunities with Warner Bros. Discovery, Food Network’s parent company. This experience offered a new perspective and clarity, helping her explore the possibilities for her future and refine her long-term career aspirations.
Apply for the Class of 2026
Giovanna is one of 25 young chefs who have completed culinary school with the support of an Aarón Sánchez Scholarship—and that number continues to grow. Applications for the Class of 2026 are open now through December 30, 2025. Six recipients will be selected to study culinary arts at New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute beginning in July 2026. To learn more about scholarship benefits, eligibility requirements, and how 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 through charitable proceeds from special events and generous contributions from corporations, small businesses, foundations, and individuals. To learn more about supporting Latino youth, visit www.aaronsanchezimpactfund.com.
