Scholarships and Bursaries

Willi Fida Culinary Bursary

The Willi Fida Culinary Bursary was established by the friends and family of Willi Fida, to honour his pioneering efforts to develop fine culinary experiences in Prince Edward County.

Willi Fida was born in Austria, trained as a chef and worked in many fine restaurants before moving to the County to open Angeline’s Restaurant in Bloomfield in 1988.  

 

Chef Willi Fida

Willi was a great promoter of the County, and made every effort to showcase locally grown food. He gradually attracted other chefs to the area, thereby helping to establish the County as a culinary mecca. He passed away in 2007. His two children, Alexandre and Melanie, continue to run the restaurant.

Each year, a bursary of $1,500 shall be awarded up to two young people (under 30 years of age) from Prince Edward County who are pursuing a post-secondary culinary education.

Eligibility Requirements

  • The Willi Fida Educational Bursary is open to youth up to 30 years of age residing in Prince Edward County.
  • Students must be seeking full-time admission to a program in culinary education.

NOTE: Students who receive a Willi Fida Culinary Bursary may apply again in the future.

How to Apply

  1. Completed application form (available below).
  2. A written letter of introduction OR short video (less than 5 minutes to be sent to info@thecountyfoundation.ca or to our social media channels) that provides an overview outlining your school or community activities. Be specific in listing any leadership activities, special projects or initiatives, including what motivates you to pursue culinary education and what your ambitions are after school.
  3. Two letters of recommendation from a direct supervisor (work, school, community agency, etc). The letters should cover such topics as your academic motivation and growth potential, your creativity, self-discipline and leadership qualities, and your personal initiative. The letters must include contact information for the person writing the letter.
  4. Your most recent high school transcript or if you are a life-long learner, we are happy to accept a copy of your most recent transcript or copy of your grades to show us your academic standing.
  5. A copy of the letter of acceptance from your post-secondary institution.

The deadline for applications is May 31st each year.

Applications can be submitted electronically or manually:

email

Email application to info@thecountyfoundation.ca

location

Or mail or drop off at:
The County Foundation
Unit 107, 35 Bridge St.
PO Box 24
Picton, Ontario K0K 2T0

Selection Process

The County Foundation evaluates applications in the following four areas:

  • Academic competence
  • Participation in extra-curricular activities in school, the community, work or as a volunteer, i.e. demonstrated initiative.
  • Desire for a culinary career as described in your own words
  • Culinary experience to date (work, courses, etc.)

All applicants will receive notice from the Foundation of the results of their application. Additional information or an interview may be requested by the Foundation. All decisions are the sole discretion of the Board of Directors of The County Foundation or their designate, and are final.

Obligation of Bursary Recipient

The bursary will be paid in one installment directly to the applicant’s post-secondary institution or PECI – whichever is applicable. Before the payment is made, the applicant must submit proof of full-time registration, including student number.

Bursary recipients must begin their post-secondary program in the year of their application.

Past Winners

  • 2023 – Clare Evered-Armet, Holland College

Accessibility

The County Foundation is happy to accept a short video instead of a written response to any scholarship or bursary application questions or essay portions. If you have any accessibility needs or require additional assistance then please feel free to reach out to info@thecountyfoundation.ca or call us at 613-519-4470.

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