The Kendall College School of Culinary Arts and the Center for the Advancement of Foodservice Education (CAFÉ) in Chicago are accepting applications for the 2011 CAFÉ/Kendall Green Award.

This is the first-ever national award to recognize secondary and postsecondary culinary arts and baking/pastry programs for their commitment to sustainability.

In addition to the award, the winner will receive a $1,000 cash prize plus complementary registration to the seventh Annual CAFÉ Leadership Conference, June 23-25, in Providence, Rhode Island.

All secondary and postsecondary culinary arts and baking/pastry programs in the U.S., whether diploma- or degree-granting, are eligible. Selection criteria are based on the integration of sustainability into educational programs and/or operations.

“Sustainability is integral to the Kendall culture from our mission statement to our curriculum and operations,” says Christopher Koetke, executive director of the Kendall College School of Culinary Arts and vice president of the Laureate International Universities Center of Excellence in Culinary Arts.

“With this award, CAFÉ and Kendall College recognize the sustainability commitment of educators and programs across the nation and build the body of knowledge that can help other institutions in their journey toward sustainability.”

According to Mary Petersen, founder and executive director of CAFÉ, the winning program will be selected for its level of innovation; perceived impact on students’ understanding of sustainability practices and their importance; and the ease with which elements of the winning program can be implemented in similar programs nationwide.

“We hope to hear from many programs across the country whose commitment to teaching sustainability will serve as an inspiration to all schools,” Petersen says.