INTEGRIS Health and Francis Tuttle Technology Center are proud to announce the launch of a new Culinary Scholarship Program aimed at supporting the next generation of culinary professionals in health care.
INTEGRIS Health and Francis Tuttle Technology Center are proud to announce the launch of a new Culinary Scholarship Program aimed at supporting the next generation of culinary professionals in health care. This unique partnership seeks to foster talent in the culinary arts, focusing on the specialized skills required to create nutritious and delicious meals tailored to patients' needs.
Through its partnership with global food and beverage company PepsiCo, the INTEGRIS Health Food Services Community Scholarship Program will provide current INTEGRIS Health caregivers full-tuition scholarships into the culinary program at Francis Tuttle Technology Center each year. This scholarship is one PepsiCo’s many that supports people pursuing careers in food science and technology so they can drive culinary innovation and thrive in their careers.
The culinary program educates students in fundamental cooking competencies through classroom instruction, hands on training and onsite practical experiences.
“The new scholarship will provide our caregivers access to a respected culinary program such as Francis Tuttle, gaining valuable skills and abilities which will translate to improved care for our patients,” said Jeff Bennett, the director of food services at INTEGRIS Health. “Some of our caregivers may not have an ability to pursue an opportunity such as this on their own, and this scholarship will put the program within reach, which is really exciting.”
In addition to covering the entire cost of INTEGRIS Health caregivers to attend the culinary program, the scholarship will also provide for interested Francis Tuttle culinary students to complete their required practical hours within an INTEGRIS Health kitchen. Participants in the Food Services Community Scholarship Program will benefit from a comprehensive curriculum that goes beyond traditional culinary instruction. This includes specialized training on nutritional differences, dietary restrictions and menu planning for diverse patient populations. Students will also be involved in creating and testing recipes that align with the hospital's dietary guidelines, ensuring that meals are both nourishing and enjoyable.
"I believe that proper nutrition is a cornerstone of patient recovery and wellness," said Benjamin Robinett, the system executive chef at INTEGRIS Health. “This great opportunity will help students pursue their passion for culinary arts, demonstrate thoughtfulness and presentation not always associated with a hospital setting, and prepare them to contribute to the health and well-being of our community."
This scholarship program underscores INTEGRIS Health’s commitment to partner with people to live healthier lives. By investing in the future of culinary arts, the health care system aims to improve patient outcomes and enhance the overall health care experience in the communities it serves.
The scholarship will be made available to the incoming class of January 2025. Additional information will be provided in the coming weeks.
