Taste for Good Scholarship
The Taste for Good Foundation Scholarship is awarded annually during the Taste of Charlotte Festival to support students in the Carolinas pursuing higher education. This $1,000 scholarship may be used at any accredited college, university, or trade school.
Created to celebrate the spirit of community behind Taste of Charlotte, the scholarship recognizes a student who demonstrates initiative, community involvement, and a commitment to making a positive impact. Through this award, the Taste for Good Foundation aims to invest in the next generation of leaders who are dedicated to giving back and strengthening their communities.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be a graduating high school senior residing in the Carolinas
- Must plan to attend an accredited college, university, community college, or trade school.
- Must submit a completed application and any required supporting materials
- Demonstrated community involvement, leadership, or volunteer service preferred
Application Requirements
- Completed scholarship application form
- Essay (500–750 words): Telling us how you celebrate the spirit of community, how you demonstrate initiative, how the community has shaped you, and how you hope to make a positive impact in your community through your education and future goals.
- Any additional materials requested by the Taste for Good Foundation
- Applications will be reviewed by the Taste For Good Foundation committee.
Taste for Good Scholarship
Sponsor Information
The Taste for Good Foundation, in partnership with the Taste of Charlotte Festival, is always seeking support for our scholarship program. By supporting our college bound students, you will receive exposure for your business at the Taste of Charlotte festival.
Taste for Good Scholarship Recipients
Kayla Hodges
Coastal Carolina University
June 2026
We are excited to announce our 1st Annual Taste For Good Scholarship Winner: Kayla Hodges
Kayla graduated from Nation Ford High School and plans to attend Coastal Carolina University to major in Exercise Science while pursuing her goal of becoming a pediatric occupational therapist. She is passionate about helping children build confidence, independence, and life skills.
Kayla is a compassionate and dependable leader whose personal experiences, including the loss of her father and grandfather at age 15, strengthened her resilience and inspired her commitment to supporting others. Throughout high school, she has been active in leadership and service through Jack and Jill of America Upper Palmetto Chapter where she served as Teen Treasurer, Legislative Chair, and Teen Delegate. She also participated in her high school’s Black Student Union, Spirit Club, and served as a Student Ambassador for When We All Vote.
Outside of school, Kayla founded her babysitting business, Kids with Kayla, and organized a community baby shower for families in need. She also was a participant in the Charlotte Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Debutante Program, earning recognition for her commitment to community service.
Kayla hopes to continue making a positive impact through her career by supporting children and families with compassion, encouragement, and care.
Follow us for updates on future scholarship applications early in spring 2027.
Thank you to our Taste for Good Scholarship Sponsors
The Taste For Good Foundation Student Scholarship is an amazing opportunity for passionate Charlotte college-bound students. The philanthropy of your business, in partnership with the Taste for Good Foundation and the Taste of Charlotte Festival, will help provide a $1,000 financial scholarship to pursue their higher education degree at a Charlotte institution per category.
Taste for Good Foundation
Centurion Entertainment and the Taste of Charlotte festival’s 501(c)3 non-profit, Taste for Good Foundation, is a grant program that awards financial grants to multiple non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)3 organizations in the Charlotte community.
Mission Statement:
The Taste for Good Foundation, in partnership with the Taste of Charlotte Festival, empowers Charlotte-area businesses and nonprofits by providing platforms to raise awareness and funds that support their initiatives, and those aligned with health, food, and the arts.
555-C Pitts School Rd NW
Concord, NC 28027
EIN: 33-1702756
Phone
704-262-9847