The Charles H. Selman Scholarship (CHS) Fund was created in 1995 by the CHARR Board of Directors to benefit committed Alaskans dedicated to excellence in Alaska’s hospitality industry. Named after long-time CHARR member Charlie Selman, the program honors his significant contributions made to our industry. Since then, the CHS Scholarship has awarded nearly $750,000 to deserving students and continues to grow. ​In October 2002, the CHS Scholarship Program was entrusted to the newly formed Alaska CHARR Educational Fund, Inc. This change allows CHARR to extend our scope of giving and support to our industry.

Apprenticeships

The Alaska CHARR Educational Fund is proud to partner with the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) and the Restaurant & Hospitality Leadership Center (RHLC) to offer industry-leading apprenticeships tailored to Alaska's vibrant hospitality sector. These programs provide aspiring professionals with hands-on training, mentorship, and certification opportunities in roles such as Line Cook, Kitchen Manager, and Restaurant Manager. By combining the resources of national organizations with a deep understanding of Alaska’s unique hospitality landscape, these apprenticeships help build a strong, skilled workforce ready to thrive in the state’s dynamic food and beverage industry. 
Industry Training
The Alaska CHARR Educational Fund offers access to over 200 hours of industry developed training. This includes the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Certified ServSafe courses and Alaska state required Training for Alcohol Professionals Certification. 

The Alaska CHARR Educational Fund has been awarded the STEP (State Training and Employment Program) grant for the last three years. This funding as allowed the Ed Fund to offer FREE training to nearly 1,000 Alaska industry workers.
​The Alaska state STEP grant funds approximately 70% $300,000) of the program.
Thank you to the State of Alaska, Workforce Investment Board, for supporting the Alaska hospitality industry.

Community Partnerships

​​​Through our national partnerships and programming, Alaska CHARR Educational Fund is working alongside community-based organizations (CBOs) to offer industry-specific training tailored to individuals facing significant challenges, such as those who are justice-involved, re-entering society, or experiencing homelessness. These programs provide valuable skills in hospitality and restaurant management, helping participants build a stable future while making a positive impact on society. By offering pathways to meaningful employment, we aim to strengthen our community, reduce recidivism, and create lasting opportunities for personal and economic growth.