National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation

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National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation Fueling opportunity. Launching careers. ProStart serves 90,000 students in 47 states, Guam and U.S. military bases.
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The Foundation’s educational initiatives provide culinary, management, food safety and employability skills training to millions of Americans, building a pipeline of industry talent. The Foundation’s cornerstone program - ProStart- is a two year, nationwide program that develops the best and brightest talent into tomorrow’s restaurant and foodservice leaders. A life changing experience for the students, educators and mentors that make up the program, ProStart trains students academically in the classroom and experientially on the job. Additionally, the NRAEF awards scholarships to students and educators to provide continued industry education. Since 1997, the NRAEF has awarded $14 million in scholarships.

10/19/2026

Corey Clary, Director of Catering & Events Hocking College, shares the myriad of skills that students can learn in restaurants.

From time management to mise en place, restaurant work will challenge what you thought you knew about how to work with other people. The restaurant industry creates pathways to opportunity, helping people build skills they thought they had already mastered.

Where first jobs turn into lifelong careers!Think a restaurant job is just temporary? Think again!Among current employee...
10/16/2026

Where first jobs turn into lifelong careers!

Think a restaurant job is just temporary? Think again!

Among current employees working in restaurant and foodservice operations, 89% feel there is a clear path for career advancement. From building core management skills to stepping into leadership, the industry offers endless opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed.

Discover the full picture of opportunity in our latest report, Made in Restaurants: Industry Careers in America, supported by JazzHR.

Download the full report today at the link below: https://bit.ly/4yd8tDM

86% of current employees say the restaurant and foodservice industry provides good long-term career opportunities for pe...
10/13/2026

86% of current employees say the restaurant and foodservice industry provides good long-term career opportunities for people. What did working in restaurants teach you?

To learn more about how Restaurants serve as America’s training ground, check out our latest report: https://bit.ly/4dzXaxt

10/12/2026

Congratulations to NRAEF Trustee Emeritus Dr. Tim Ryan on his Chef's Table: Honors recognition! 👨‍🍳🏆

Selected by Chef Thomas Keller for his lifetime work shaping today’s culinary landscape, Dr. Ryan’s story shows the true power of starting in the restaurant industry. He began his career as a dishwasher before building a legacy as an award-winning chef and the longest-serving president of The Culinary Institute of America!

As a past recipient of the NRAEF Ambassador of Hospitality Award, Dr. Ryan has spent a lifetime giving back, inspiring culinary leaders, and opening doors for the next generation.

Watch the full ceremony when Chef's Table: Honors premieres 10/15 on the official Chef's Table YouTube! https://bit.ly/4yCKmPm

Stronger together! 🤝🍽️We loved having the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association Educational Foundation team and ...
10/09/2026

Stronger together! 🤝🍽️

We loved having the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association Educational Foundation team and their local Restaurant Ready partners in Washington, D.C., for the NRAEF Hospitality Pathways Conference!

More than 200 workforce development leaders gathered from across the country to share innovative ideas, tackle industry challenges, and strengthen training pathways for individuals entering, reentering, and advancing in the hospitality workforce.

Thank you for all you do to change lives through the power of hospitality!

Careers are MADE in restaurants! A position in the restaurant industry is so much more than a first job—it’s where confi...
10/08/2026

Careers are MADE in restaurants!

A position in the restaurant industry is so much more than a first job—it’s where confidence is built, leadership is developed, and lifelong career pathways begin.

The National Restaurant Association's report, Made in Restaurants: Industry Careers in America, highlights the real-world experiences of restaurant employees and confirms what we at the NRAEF have seen for years: investing in restaurant workforce development creates lasting economic opportunity for individuals and communities alike.

Explore the employee insights and industry data by downloading the report today: https://bit.ly/4yd8tDM

Hands-on experience right in their own backyard! 🍎👩‍🍳Salmen High ProStart Program students are taking their culinary tra...
10/06/2026

Hands-on experience right in their own backyard! 🍎👩‍🍳

Salmen High ProStart Program students are taking their culinary training to the next level by stepping into the kitchen alongside their school's talented cafeteria professionals!

By bridging classroom learning with real-world, high-volume food service, these students are mastering speed, teamwork, kitchen safety, and prep skills—building a solid foundation for their future hospitality and culinary careers.

St. Tammany Parish Public School System

Unlocking potential and building futures!Lessons were learned, powerful connections were made, and big career goals were...
10/05/2026

Unlocking potential and building futures!

Lessons were learned, powerful connections were made, and big career goals were set!
We are so proud of every participant who took part in last week's program.

We are immensely grateful for our partnership with American Express and Resy.
Because of their support, restaurant professionals are stepping into the future with the
skills, confidence, and tools they need to thrive.

Equipping educators, empowering students. 📚🍳We are so proud to celebrate the incredible South Carolina ProStart leadersh...
10/01/2026

Equipping educators, empowering students. 📚🍳

We are so proud to celebrate the incredible South Carolina ProStart leadership team and educators following their multi-day leadership training in Florence, SC!

From a celebratory evening featuring local BBQ to a full day of professional development, South Carolina ProStart instructors gathered to share best practices, review program benchmarks, and hear directly from key partners—including the US Coast Guard Culinary Program, the International Culinary Institute of Myrtle Beach, the South Carolina Department of Education, and TSC/Atlantic Food Safety.

South Carolina educators were recognized for achieving the highest number to date of ServSafe Manager & Foodhandler Certificates, alongside ProStart Certificates of Achievement earned by their students! 🏆

Thank you to the dedicated South Carolina instructors and community partners for your unwavering commitment to preparing the next generation of hospitality leaders!

A restaurant job can be much more than a paycheck.It's often where people learn teamwork, communication, leadership, and...
09/30/2026

A restaurant job can be much more than a paycheck.

It's often where people learn teamwork, communication, leadership, and responsibility. The skills gained in restaurants stay with people long after they leave the industry.

That's why 82% of restaurant employees believe restaurant jobs prepare people for success in whatever careers they pursue.

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2055 L Street NW, Fl 7th
Washington D.C., DC
20036

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm

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