Falmouth Student Receives James Beard Scholarship

EAST FALMOUTH, MA — A Falmouth student is among 12 winners of the James Beard Foundation's 2022-23 National Scholars Program, earning a scholarship of $20,000.

The foundation announced the winners on Wednesday, which includes Katie Clondas of East Falmouth. Scholarships are awarded to "food-focused individuals who plan to pursue an education in the culinary arts, food studies, agriculture, hospitality management, and related fields," according to the foundation.

Clondas is set to pursue a bachelor’s degree in food business management and culinary arts at the Culinary Institute of America.

"Her goal is to own and operate a farm-to-table restaurant that will be accessible to all," the foundation shared, in a news release.

“The James Beard Foundation is strongly committed to supporting the innovative and driven culinary industry leaders of tomorrow,” said Anne E. McBride, PhD, vice president of programs at the James Beard Foundation.

“We’re immensely proud of this year’s recipients, who all demonstrate a genuine commitment to the food industry. We are thrilled to support their journey with this distinguished scholarship opportunity.”

The National Scholars Program is a part of the larger James Beard Foundation Scholarship Program—which is awarding $459,400 in financial aid in 2022.

Established in 1991, the scholarship program assists aspiring and established culinary professionals who plan to further their education at a licensed or accredited culinary school or hospitality institution, college, or university. As of 2022, the Foundation will have awarded nearly $9 million in financial aid to over 2,000 recipients.