The American Institute of Wine and Food, Wichita Chapter Inc. (AIWF–Wichita), has established a new endowed scholarship to support Wichita State University Campus of Applied Science and Technology (WSU Tech) students pursuing careers in culinary arts and hospitality. The “AIWF–Wichita Culinary and Hospitality Futures Scholarship” will issue its first award for the Fall 2026 semester, helping students in WSU Tech’s culinary and hospitality programs advance their education and future careers. 

The endowed fund was created through a $20,000 gift from AIWF–Wichita and $5,000 from The Henry’s Society, of which AIWF–Wichita is a member. 

This scholarship comes at a transformative time for WSU Tech’s culinary program. The National Institute for Culinary and Hospitality Education (NICHE) has expanded applied learning opportunities and elevated Wichita’s culinary training ecosystem. With innovative facilities and real-world experience, NICHE is preparing students to meet the growing needs of the hospitality industry regionally and beyond. 

“AIWF–Wichita is deeply committed to supporting the next generation of culinary and hospitality professionals in our region,” said Beth Bower, 2025 AIWF–Wichita Chair. “WSU Tech’s programs play a vital role in developing talent, and we are proud to help ensure that passionate, hardworking students have the resources they need to succeed.” 

The scholarship will be awarded annually to students enrolled in at least 12 credit hours with a minimum 2.75 GPA. Consideration will be based on financial need, academic performance, personal essays, and letters of recommendation, with preference given to applicants demonstrating both economic need and culinary ability. 

“We are incredibly grateful for AIWF–Wichita’s generosity and their commitment to our shared mission of enhancing the culinary landscape in Wichita,” said Courtney Sendall, Executive Director of the WSU Tech Foundation. “Their investment will open doors for our students for generations to come, and it reflects a shared belief in the power of education to transform lives and strengthen our workforce.” 

To commemorate the establishment of the scholarship, AIWF–Wichita Scholarship Chair Andrew Baker presented Sendall with a plaque during the organization’s recent holiday event. 

Applications for scholarships available through the WSU Tech Foundation for the 2026-27 school year will open on March 1, 2026.For more information about supporting student scholarships at WSU Tech, visitwsutech.edu/foundation/scholarships. 

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About WSU Tech 

As Wichita State University Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology, WSU Tech stands at the forefront of modern technical education in Kansas, offering over 100 degree and certificate options. These programs cover critical fields such as aviation, health care, manufacturing, design, information technology, police science, culinary arts, business, and more. WSU Tech operates four campuses and serves as the managing partner of the National Center for Aviation Training (NCAT) in Wichita, KS, a city known for its high concentration of STEM jobs. 

Wichita State University and WSU Tech together create a comprehensive educational environment that elevates student achievement and supports the evolving needs of industries in the urban heart of Kansas and beyond. Wichita State is Kansas’ only urban public research university, enrolling more than 25,000 students between its main campus and WSU Tech, including students from every state in the U.S. and more than 100 countries. Wichita State and WSU Tech are recognized for being student-centered and innovation-driven. 

Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and as a Kansas Board of Regents institution, WSU Tech upholds high academic standards and equips students with the skills necessary for lifelong success and career readiness. 

For more information on how WSU Tech shapes the future of technical education and contributes to the workforce in Kansas and beyond, please visit www.WSUTECH.edu.

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