Russell H.Ferber
December 31, 1980- July 6, 2002
On July 6, 2002, Russell Ferber tragically died in a car accident at the age of 21, just as he was about to graduate with a degree in Baking and Pastry Arts from The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in Hyde Park, NY.
A year later, The Russell Ferber Foundation was founded to provide a living legacy – funding programs that assist young people who lack the financial resources to successfully follow a path that parallels aspects of Russell’s too short life.
About The Russell Ferber Foundation
For Over 20 years The Russell Ferber Foundation Has Been Providing Culinary Scholarships And Empowering Underprivileged Students And Those With Learning Differences To Follow Their Dreams!
To achieve this, the Foundation has partnered with three key institutions.
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Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP)
The Foundation has established The Russell Ferber Memorial Scholarship through C-CAP, a non-profit organization that creates professional culinary education programs in inner-city high schools. In six venues across the country, C-CAP develops curricula, provides teacher training, secures equipment, and outfits classrooms into working kitchens, while also arranging internships with top restaurants. C-CAP students participate in a highly competitive scholarship process. One of the highest awards granted in New York is The Russell Ferber Memorial Scholarship, a full scholarship in the Baking and Pastry Arts Program at the CIA. Learn more about our scholars here.
The Culinary Institute of America (CIA)
The Foundation is thrilled that the Russell Ferber Scholarship at the CIA is endowed! The Foundation continues to donate funds for an annual stipend to students who complete their externship obligations with the highest rating for professionalism, a quality highly respected by Russell and a hallmark of his approach to culinary activities.
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In addition to the Russell Ferber ’02 Memorial Endowed Scholarship, in May of 2024, The Russell H. Ferber Learning Commons ('02) was established in memory of Russell. This dedicated space on the fourth floor of the Conrad N. Hilton Library serves as a sanctuary for CIA students, offering vital support and resources to help them excel academically and personally. Named in honor of Russell, the Learning Commons embodies his legacy of perseverance and determination, providing a nurturing environment where students can thrive and reach their full potential.
Village Community School (VCS)
Village Community School, Russell’s cherished K-8 school, faced challenges in providing support for students with distinct learning disabilities like Russell. VCS' Russell Ferber Memorial Fund has become an important resource, helping students with learning differences by funding educational and psychological evaluations, language therapy, outside tutoring, additional part-time teacher work, and support in developing the language and writing skills needed for high school transition. Numerous students have benefited immensely from the Fund.
Thank you for supporting our efforts to transform young lives and keep Russell's infectious spirit alive.
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The Russell Ferber Foundation is a donor-advised fund hosted by FJC.
We gratefully accept donations year round.
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There are several ways to donate to the Foundation. Click the button below to learn more!
