With over $155,000 raised by her family, friends and community, The Alana James Memorial Culinary Scholarship Fund, was created in 2024 to enable aspiring chefs to pursue their dreams.
The scholarship honours Ali’s memory and provides a meaningful opportunity each year for the recipient(s) to focus on their studies, embrace new opportunities, and ultimately give back to their communities—creating lasting change for generations to come.
We are pleased to share that the first two scholarships ($7,000 each) were awarded by the Scholarship Committee in late 2024 to two incredible individuals who are currently attending the Culinary Arts program at Vancouver Community College.
We’d like to share a message of gratitude from one of the recipients:
“I am currently in the Professional Cook 1 Program at VCC, where I’ve just finished my third block. I am incredibly grateful to be the recipient of The Alana James Memorial Culinary Scholarship. Thank you for your generous support. This support will greatly assist me in pursuing my culinary arts studies at Vancouver Community College.
I have always been an artistic and creative person and having the opportunity to channel that creativity through food has been incredible, and it has been making me even more passionate about creating delicious and interesting food. The environment at VCC is very right for me and it encourages learning and challenges me where it is necessary. I am thankful for the wonderful chefs I got to learn from so far and I am excited to learn more.
I am originally from Israel, and I moved to Canada with my family two and a half years ago. Moving halfway across the world was not easy, and with my parents having to re-establish their professional careers here it has been even more challenging. That is why your support means so much to me. This scholarship will provide me with much needed financial support and help my family greatly. It will allow me to wait for the end of the semester to get a job – this way I can stay better focused on my studies. I might also be able to save money and visit my family and friends back in Israel, which is something I have wanted to do and was unable to since the time we left.
Once again, I would like to thank you so much for your generous support, I am very privileged for having access to such a helpful resource and I am very honoured to be receiving this scholarship.”
— 2024 Alana James Memorial Culinary Scholarship Recipient
Scholarship recipients are also giving back to the community. This summer and fall, they are volunteering at the JFS Kitchen; preparing meals for people in need and at the same time gaining hands-on experience as they hone their culinary skills.
This scholarship leaves a meaningful and lasting legacy—empowering others to follow their passion for food, community, and care. It doesn’t just open doors to a culinary career—it also creates opportunities for lasting change through education.
This year's application period is open between August 1st, 2025 and October 31st, 2025.
Learn more about The Alana James Memorial Culinary Scholarship or apply today.