TCA membership fee

[Mercy Dulavitz CC CPC]

Need to see more members in our chapter. But we can't get anyone to join because of a high fee. Students can not afford to put out some kind of cash.

[HENRY]

I like your fur.
Can your chapter raise money to help them?

[Diane Butler]

I don't believe the Chapter can pay membership dues, according to bylaws

[Tracy Black]

Some Culinary schools such as Art Institute have monies added into tuition to cover junior dues. Although students are not eligible to take advantage of this opportunity until their last quarter, I beleive. If I have misstated any info here, someone please correct me. I encourage juniors to join a chapter simply for the valuable networking opportunities. A little money spent now could really benefit them in the long run!

[Paul DeGroot C.E.C.]

I believe you could get members started as just tca members and the cost would be a lot less?

[D. Noble]

TCA only is a possible option. Also they must look at it as an investment for their future in food service. The networking alone is worth tons. Spend money on yourself not some new phone so you can text your friends while you drive down the road. Sorry for the generalization but too many kids I meet spend $$ on toys rather than on improving themselves.

[Mercy Dulavitz CC CPC]

I agree with you. But you have to see the picture here the kids now a days do not see that opportunity all they see is what is everyone have. And also some of the students are paying their own tuition. I would love to see them spend money on what they will help them in the future.

[Diane Butler]

It is not in By Laws that says Chapters cannot pay for dues, but in the IRS guidelines under our charter

[Paul H. Siegel]

I am a Student at the Art Institute of Houston, Every week I look at the TCA to become a member. I realy want to join the outstanding orgaization, however, I have a Wife and 3 kids, and I am a full time Student. These factors make it realy hard for me to afford the dues, but I will try to join one day.

[Natalie Roffino]

Just wanted to let you all know that the Jr Texas Chefs Association up here in the Dallas area (brand new- only a few months old) is trying to start up a scholarship fund to help those that want to join but are in a bind with the dues. We are still trying to figure out the best way to take applications- more than likely we'll come up with a questionnaire and have the applicant write a small essay on a particular topic- to make sure we are giving the scholarship for yearly dues to those people that REALLY want it. We hope to help quite a few people that are in school to develop their skills that will one day lead them to a great career in the culinary industry. We are thinking of different fundraiser opportunities to host and raise these funds but any other ideas will be appreciated and considered. Keep checking in with the Jr. TX Chefs Assoc (we just created a group on this site) for any updates that may come...

[Kevin Upchurch]

Im not sure if you guys can help me or not. But im wondering about the students membership in the TCA. What happens when I graduate? Because I graduate in december. Do I need to pay the regular dues after that?

[Mercy Dulavitz CC CPC]

Yes, of course the dues due once a year.

[Kevin Upchurch]

But after I graduate would I still be considered a student or would I need to change my membership to a regular one?