EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — An El Paso culinary student was chosen to receive a $20,000 scholarship from US Foods.
Genesis Jordan, from El Paso Community College, along with 19 other students, was announced as part of the 2026 class of US Foods Scholars, the largest class in the program’s history, according to a news release by US Foods.
Genesis Jordan. Photo courtesy of the US Foods.
Here is a list of the scholarship recipients:
Grace Bello, The University of Texas in Austin, Texas. Hometown: Manor, Texas.
Marissa Blair, Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte, N.C. Hometown: Shirleysburg, Pa.
Emily Vier, Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. Hometown: South Ogden, Utah.
Alisha Cameron, Southwestern Oregon Community College in Coos Bay, Ore. Hometown: Coos Bay, Ore.
Katie Kate Dagok, California State University in San Bernardino, Calif. Hometown: Palm Springs, Calif.
Harlow Danio, Moorpark College in Moorpark, Calif. Hometown: Guerneville, Calif.
Yvonne Finch, Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts in Austin, Texas. Hometown: Milwaukee, Wis.
James Ford, Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte, N.C. Hometown: District Heights, Md.
Genesis Jordan, El Paso Community College in El Paso, Texas. Hometown: El Paso, Texas.
Jason Mascarenhas, University of Illinois in Urbana, Ill. Hometown: Buffalo Grove, Ill.
Kayla McCloud, Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pa. Hometown: Brooklyn, N.Y.
Misha Patel, Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y. Hometown: Frisco, Texas.
Rylee Richmond, Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas. Hometown: Jasper, Texas.
Zoe Rowe, Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte, N.C. Hometown: Camden, Del.
Emily Spadafora, The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College in Philadelphia, Pa. Hometown: Morrisville, N.J.
Kendall Stanley, Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. Hometown: Grapevine, Texas.
Sasha T., University of North Texas in Denton, Texas. Hometown: Dallas, Texas.
Kennedy Thompson, Framingham State University in Framingham, Mass. Hometown: Boston, Mass.
Majalynn Thompson, Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Fla. Hometown: Bowling Green, Fla.
Jake Toben, Mitchell Technical College in Mitchell, S.D. Hometown: Sioux Falls, S.D.
The students selected for the scholarship are pursuing two- to four-year post-secondary degrees in culinary arts, hospitality, baking and pastry or business management programs.
The new cohorts will not only receive a scholarship, but also have assistance with their post-secondary education and access to professional development opportunities through US Foods.
“It’s an honor to empower the next generation of culinary talent with the resources they need to pursue their career goals,” Sara Matheu, vice president of Corporate Communications at US Foods, said. “Beyond helping these 20 outstanding students reach their full potential, the US Foods Scholars program aims to support the culinary talent pipeline across our growing industry. We look forward to celebrating the scholars’ accomplishments as they move through their education and professional journeys and watching the positive impact they will make.”
According to US Foods, the scholars are selected through a competitive application process that looks at academic achievement, financial need and a personal essay, “highlighting each student’s goals, passion for the industry, and commitment to their future career.”
The US Foods Scholars program was established in 2017 to help strengthen the talent pipeline by providing financial support and industry exposure to students. Since the launch, the program has awarded over $2.8 million in scholarships to over 140 students.
According to the National Restaurant Association’s 2026 State of the Restaurant Industry Report, restaurant operators expect to add about 100,000 jobs in 2026, bringing the total industry employment to 15.8 million.
For more information about the US Foods Scholars program and the newest cohort, you can visit its website.
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.