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Jack Kawa Culinary Arts and Hospitality Scholarship

Throughout its history, the Omaha Restaurant Association Foundation has diligently supported culinary arts and hospitality education. A dedicated board of directors has hosted events, invited donations and raised funds to support scholarships for graduating high school students to follow their passion by pursuing formal higher education in the field.

The ORAF Board is now entrusting the selection and award of these important scholarships to Metropolitan Community College Foundation, through two new scholarship opportunities to be awarded in the spring and fall of each year, in honor of two founding members of the Omaha Restaurant Association Foundation, Harold Norman and Jack Kawa.

Jack Kawa

Jack Kawa is the owner of Johnny's Cafe, president of the Omaha Restaurant Association Foundation and past president of the Omaha Restaurant Association and the Nebraska Restaurant Association. He was also named the Nebraska Restaurateur of the year in 1974 and the recipient of the Omaha Restaurant of the Year Award in 1988.

The scholarship may be used for tuition, fees, books and required equipment available at MCC bookstores.

Scholarship Criteria:

  • Financial need is required
  • MCC Culinary Arts & Management major
  • Must be an Omaha resident
  • Minimum cumulative GPA 2.0 or higher
  • One recommendation letter from an instructor, person in the food industry or employer

Scholarships are usually offered during the spring and fall quarters. Scholarship availability varies depending on donor giving.