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METAIRIE, La.— The Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation (LRAEF) is pleased to announce that Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers has generously provided $35,000 to support its 2021 LRAEF Scholars Program. Seventeen qualified individuals seeking to pursue or further their education in the restaurant and culinary arts field will be chosen as 2021 Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers LRAEF Scholars. The application process is available here, and the deadline to apply is March 25, 2021.

“Raising Cane’s has been an LRAEF partner for many years, and this gift means these talented students will be able to continue pursuit of a career in the restaurant and hospitality industry,” said Stan Harris, President and CEO. “The investment by Raising Cane’s in the future of Louisiana’s restaurant industry workforce illustrates their commitment to their team members and local communities. We appreciate this partnership that is sure to enhance the lives and the future of industry.”

Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers has served as the title sponsor of the Louisiana ProStart Invitational for the last three years. As the 2021 Invitational was canceled due to COVID restrictions, Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers chose to enhance their philanthropic impact by directing these dollars to the LRAEF Scholars Program.

“We are proud to join the LRA’s efforts in supporting and inspiring the next generation of industry leaders,” says Raising Cane’s founder and CEO Todd Graves. “Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand, the value of the LRAEF’s programs in our home state.”

In addition, the LRAEF, in partnership with the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board, will award its annual Seafood Scholarship. One individual will be awarded the LRAEF’s most prestigious award, the Jim Funk Scholarship, which is named for the former LRA President & CEO who guided the creation of the LRAEF during his 30 years with the organization.

A total of $43,500 in awards will be made to 19 individuals. The online application portal is now live here, and the deadline for individuals to apply is Thursday, March 25, 2021. Since its inception, the LRAEF Scholars program has provided more than $650,000 in financial support to qualified individuals pursuing a rewarding career in Louisiana’s world-renowned restaurant industry.