Stephen J. Brady Stop Hunger Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by Sodexo Foundation

Overview

The Stephen J. Brady Stop Hunger Scholarship recognizes students who take measurable action to reduce childhood hunger in their communities. The program highlights creative leadership, community mobilization, and projects that raise awareness and deliver solutions. Recipients gain financial support and opportunities to connect with industry leaders who advance the Stop Hunger mission. The scholarship supports a range of youth participants, from young volunteers to emerging leaders.

Description: A national scholarship program honoring student-led efforts to combat food insecurity through awareness, service, and community-based solutions.

• Recognizes youth-driven impact against childhood hunger.
• Emphasizes creativity, leadership, and measurable results.
• Combines financial awards with networking and visibility.

Eligibility

Applicants must be students who demonstrate a commitment to fighting hunger through direct action or organizing within their communities. The program is open to a wide youth age range and values initiatives that show leadership and tangible outcomes. Projects can take many forms but should clearly address food insecurity or childhood hunger. Selection favors applicants who mobilize others and create sustainable impact.

Eligibility: Open to students ages 5 to 25 who can demonstrate creativity, leadership, and impact in addressing community food insecurity.

• Age range: 5–25 years old.
• Required: documented leadership and measurable community impact.
• Projects should focus on hunger relief, awareness, or mobilization.

Award Details

The program awards national scholars with both individual scholarships and grants for their chosen hunger-relief charities. National scholars receive a $10,000 academic scholarship plus a $5,000 grant directed to a nonprofit addressing hunger. Recipients also attend the Sodexo Charity Classic, providing networking opportunities with supporters of the Stop Hunger mission. The program additionally recognizes Emerging Leaders, though specific award levels for those recipients are not detailed here.

Award Value: National scholars receive a $10,000 academic scholarship and a $5,000 grant for their hunger-relief charity; other recognitions are awarded to Emerging Leaders.

• $10,000 academic scholarship for national scholars.
• $5,000 grant awarded to the recipient’s hunger-relief charity.
• Opportunity to attend the Sodexo Charity Classic for networking and recognition.

Application Timeline

The application process follows an annual cycle beginning in early September and concluding in November. Prospective applicants should prepare materials in advance, as the program evaluates creativity, leadership, and measurable impact. Exact opening and closing dates may vary by year, so applicants should confirm deadlines before applying. There is an annual schedule that culminates with selection of national scholars and Emerging Leaders.

Application Timeline: The annual application window runs from September 5 through November; confirm precise dates on the program’s official site each year.

• Opens annually on September 5.
• Closes in November (exact date may vary).
• Confirm current-year deadlines on the official scholarship page.

History of the Award

Established in 2007, the scholarship honors the legacy of Stephen J. Brady, the Foundation’s founder and a longtime advocate for ending hunger. Since its inception, the program has recognized 91 national scholars and 252 Emerging Leaders. Combined awards and grants have exceeded $1.2 million, supporting youth-led efforts to combat childhood hunger across the country. The scholarship celebrates sustained youth engagement and the founder’s commitment to the Stop Hunger mission.

History of the Award: Launched in 2007, named for Stephen J. Brady, and to date has honored national scholars and Emerging Leaders while distributing more than $1.2 million in scholarships and grants.

• Program established in 2007.
• Over 91 national scholars and 252 Emerging Leaders honored.
• More than $1.2 million awarded in scholarships and grants.