WAILEA – The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui recently secured a three-year, $15,000 grant in support of its ongoing partnership with Maui Culinary Academy. Funds were gifted from Fairmont Community Assistance and Responsibility to the Environment (CAREs), a corporate grant program that focuses on the environmental, social and wellbeing of the communities where Fairmont does business. Over the next three years, the Wailea resort will present $5,000 annually to one Maui Culinary Academy (MCA) student as part of the Tylun Pang Aspiring Chef Scholarship.
Developed to honor MCA Advisory Council member and Executive Chef, Tylun Pang, The Tylun Pang Aspiring Chef Scholarship will provide one outstanding culinary student the opportunity to complete an 8-week summer work experience in a luxury resort environment. The experience will include a close mentorship with hotel chefs, orientation to hotel departments, kitchen experience for Kō restaurant and the chance to develop a dish that will be included on Kō’s 2015 menu. Students will receive an hourly wage for their work as well as a financial scholarship upon completion. They will also gain priceless industry experience to give them a competitive edge after graduation.
The Fairmont Kea Lani and UHMC’s Maui Culinary Academy have a strong, long-term partnership and collaborated closely on the details of the scholarship. Previous recipients have included exceptional MCA students, Peamsook Park and Kendra Carter. Carter is now employed in the pastry shop of the resort.
“The Maui Culinary Academy is extremely appreciative of the Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui and its continued innovative programming that supports our Academy,” says Chris Speere, External Program Coordinator at the Maui Culinary Academy. “The Tylun Pang Aspiring Chef Scholarship offers one leading MCA student eight weeks of work experience which, combined with chef mentorship, provides a realistic understanding of the rigors associated with the culinary profession.” He goes on to say: “The Fairmont CAREs grant ensures the scholarship is sustainable. We couldn’t be more thrilled.”
UHMC’s Maui Culinary Academy was recently recognized by the American Culinary Federation Educational Foundation as one of only 71 “Exemplary” Culinary Programs across the nation. Students interested in the scholarship program are invited to attend an informational presentation on Tuesday, September 9, at MCA’s Leis Family Class Act Restaurant at 2:00 p.m. The deadline for application is Friday, October 3rd. The selected recipient will be announced at the Maui Culinary Academy’s annual fundraising event, Noble Chef, on Saturday, November 1, at The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui.
Located on the pristine white sands of Wailea, The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui is Hawaii’s only luxury oceanfront resort featuring spacious suites and villas. This distinctive hotel encompasses 22 acres of tropical landscape and offers authentic Hawaiian cultural experiences and warm and personal service which portray the essence of aloha. A luxurious haven in one of the most scenic places on earth, the resort rests gracefully on Polo Beach, situated on the sunny southwest shores of Maui.