2025 Vince DeFinis Scholarship Application

The Foundation of NACE scholarship program provides awards/scholarships in the form of tuition grants, travel grants, leadership training grants, and professional development to those who want a career in the catering and events industry. 

The Vince DeFinis Scholarship honors the founder of the first NACE chapter, Philadelphia/South Jersey/Delaware, and provides support to undergraduate students who demonstrate leadership abilities.

The Vince DeFinis Scholarship winner will receive a package of robust career development tools designed to not just financially support their education but will also provide multiple opportunities to interact with industry leaders and participate in NACE education throughout the year.

Applicants are evaluated on scholarly merit, professional endeavors to date, and an essay that reflects their career goals and objectives, enthusiasm/passion, and grammar/spelling. Applicants do not have to be members of NACE, but members do get extra points awarded.

One recipient will be awarded a career advancement scholarship valued at more than $9,000.

Vince DeFinis Eligibility Requirements: Undergraduate students must meet the following requirements:   

• All applicants must be currently enrolled as a full-time student (12 credits or more) in an accredited hospitality or related program and applicant’s graduation date must not be before May 2025, and applicants must have completed 30 credits.  
• All applicants must have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA 
• Submit the following:  
• • Resume 
  • An essay (no more than 1,000 words) answering the following questions:   
  • • Why are you interested in pursuing a career in catering or event management?  
    • What kind of a job would you like to gain after graduation?  
    • What is your ultimate career goal and/or dream job? What are your long-term goals and objectives?  
  • Two letters of recommendation (one from a professional caterer or event company and a current professor)  
  • Official transcripts for the previous two years. 

Submission Deadline is 11:59 PM CST, March 17th, 2025.

Contact foundation@nace.net with questions.