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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 stu

dents, 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.

09/03/2026

A new school year is a reminder that the future of the restaurant industry is already in the classroom.

Chalmette High School’s ProStart Management Team is a great example of what happens when students are given the opportunity to apply classroom learning to real-world industry challenges. Their Hawaiian-inspired restaurant concept, Honua’s Table, earned 1st place at the Louisiana ProStart Competition and 2nd place at the National ProStart Invitational.

Through experiences like these, ProStart Program helps students develop the business acumen, leadership, creativity and problem-solving skills they need to build meaningful careers in our industry.

Investing in the next generation isn’t just about preparing students for their first job, it’s about building a stronger, more innovative restaurant and hospitality workforce for years to come.

We’re proud to help give future industry leaders the opportunity to learn, lead and bring new ideas to the table.

09/02/2026

When individuals connect with what they truly love and receive the right training, it can transform their lives. Brian MacNair, CEO of Kitchen of Purpose, highlights how culinary workforce development programs—both back of house and front of house—empower individuals to build rewarding careers in the restaurant and hospitality industry. 🙌✨

By unlocking potential behind the cutting board and across the dining room, these workforce programs provide the skills, mentorship, and opportunities needed for lifelong success.

Learn more about NRAEF workforce development initiatives here: https://bit.ly/3WyPgwa

09/01/2026

We’re grateful to the Journey For Good Foundation for its $75,000 investment in the Foundation's Restaurant Ready program.

This support will help us continue providing young people and individuals building careers in the restaurant and hospitality industry with the skills, training and opportunities needed to take their next step.

Investments like this help strengthen the talent pipeline and create meaningful pathways into the industry. We’re honored by Journey for Good Foundation’s confidence in our mission and look forward to the impact this partnership will make.

Thank you for helping us open more doors to opportunity.

08/27/2026

Please join us in welcoming Monica Parrish Trent, Ph.D. as Executive Director of the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation.

Monica brings a deep commitment to expanding opportunity and a distinguished track record of leading transformative initiatives that improve outcomes for learners and strengthen workforce pathways. As a first-generation college graduate and respected national leader, she understands the power of education, mentorship, and career development to change lives.

Her passion for empowering people aligns closely with the Foundation's mission, and we're excited to have her leading our work as we continue building awareness of the rewarding careers and opportunities available throughout the restaurant industry.

Welcome, Monica. We're excited for this next chapter.

Read more about what she will bring to the table at the Foundation: https://bit.ly/4xz10yH

08/25/2026

Applications for Rachael Ray Grow Grants 2026 are now open!

Brought to you by the Rachael Ray Foundation and the NRAEF, these grants provide essential funding to help high school ProStart Programs build, expand, and innovate their culinary arts and restaurant management classrooms.

Whether your program is looking to upgrade kitchen equipment, launch a new project, or fund hands-on experiential learning, a Grow Grant can turn those ideas into reality! 💡

Don't miss this opportunity to bring new resources to your students! Learn more and submit your application today: https://bit.ly/3HLrvYZ

08/24/2026

Let’s celebrate a big accomplishment! 👏

Samuel Somarriba recently completed his Restaurant Manager apprenticeship with SoDel Concepts in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.

Through a combination of hands-on training and classroom instruction, Samuel strengthened his leadership skills, expanded his operational knowledge and gained the confidence to make an even greater impact on his team.

His experience is a great example of how apprenticeship can help employees grow while giving employers stronger, more capable leaders.

Congratulations, Samuel! We’re proud to celebrate your achievement.

08/19/2026

Looking for a recipe for career growth? Start with great training.

We’re excited to partner with The Culinary Institute of America to give Registered Apprentices access to CIA ProChef Online Courses as part of their training.

That means more opportunities to build skills, learn from culinary experts and earn a CIA certificate along the way.

We’re proud to invest in the next generation of restaurant professionals. 🍽️

Learn more about the partnership: https://bit.ly/4iebuP5

08/14/2026

Apprenticeships give restaurant employees the chance to learn by doing, earn while they grow, and build a path to long-term success. They're also helping restaurants strengthen their teams and invest in the future of their workforce.

Swipe through to discover the benefits and learn more about the Foundation's apprenticeship programs: https://bit.ly/3UqLPc2

08/13/2026

ProStart helps students discover just how many opportunities exist in the hospitality industry — and the Rachael Ray Grow Grant helps bring those opportunities to life.

With support from the grant, St. John's High School in Arizona has enhanced its ProStart Program classroom with new equipment and hands-on industry experiences that prepare students for what's next.

Ready to make an impact in your classroom? Watch this space to apply for the 2026 Grow Grant - applications open soon!

08/12/2026

Hear from the Independence School District ProStart Program alum about their experience making food for Colombia's biggest soccer stars. 🌟

From the ProStart classroom to the world stage, opportunities like these show where hands-on learning can lead. Alongside Missouri ProStart educator Chef Jenn Turner, these students gained real-world experience preparing meals for the Colombian National Team during the Global Soccer Event.

That's workforce development in action. 👏

Address

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

Website

https://www.chooserestaurants.org/

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