E stablished in 1986 to support educational activities for Alberta apprentice chefs. Each year SAIT, NAIT and Lethbridge College award scholarships to 2nd year students enrolled in the Culinary Arts program. The Alberta's apprenticeship and industry training was added later on and is now also able to offer a scholarship to a worthly apprentice in the culinary field.

The scholarship fund was created to recognize the achievements of Stan Ballard, who retired from Burns Foods in 1986, following 41 years of service with Burns and with the food processing industry. Stan was one of the founders of the Alberta Food Processors Association; Stan has done much during his career to promote the Alberta food industry, particularly in the foodservice sector.