Sowela’s Culinary Arts department is hosting a Culinary Scholarships Informational Session 2-3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, at its Lake Charles campus. Thanks to generous donors, the program offers scholarships of up to $1,500 to new Culinary Arts students for spring 2024. Interested individuals can RSVP for the event at www.sowela.edu/culinary.

The event will occur at the Culinary, Gaming and Hospitality Center, 3841 Senator J. Bennett Johnston Ave.

The info session provides prospective students with the chance to learn more about scholarship eligibility requirements; tour the brand-new Culinary Arts facility, including new industrial kitchens and student lounge; meet faculty chefs and hear why they’re passionate about their craft; and learn about Sowela student support services and how to apply.

The Culinary Arts program immerses students in the hospitality world through hands-on training in state-of-the-art industrial kitchens and baking lab. Students learn front- and back-of-house management and restaurant business and production. The curriculum includes regional cuisine and food and beverage operations.

For students interested in specializing in the pastry arts, a Baking and Pastry Arts concentration is available. Classes cover cake decorating, candy making, baking and pastries of the South, international pastry, artisan theory and advanced bread techniques.

Culinary Arts faculty help connect students with internship experiences, which have ranged from national brand casinos and high-end restaurants to tourist destinations, such as national parks and Disney.

Spring classes start Tuesday, Jan. 16. For more information, contact the One Stop Enrollment Office at (337) 421-6550 or onestop@sowela.edu.