The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation

ProStart is a nationwide program for high school students that focuses on developing the next generation of restaurant and foodservice leaders. The program is industry-driven, combining culinary arts and restaurant management training to build practical skills. ProStart provides students a platform to discover new interests while highlighting successful career opportunities across the industry. ProStart serves over 145,000 students in 1,800 schools across all 50 states and the District of Columbia, the Territory of Guam and Department of Defense Education Activity Schools in Europe and the Pacific. Additionally, the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation awards more than $1.2 million in scholarships and grants each year. Since 1987, the Foundation has awarded more than $26 million.

The NRAEF supports active, guard and reserve military members, military spouses, dependent children and veterans with their transition out of the military after separating or retiring from duty. This support includes the Foundation's work to: *Provide pathways to help service members and their families transition into civilian life * Train service members to hone their skills * Honor service member by recognizing the best in foodservice operations through the Travelers program.

NRAEF and the American Hotel & Lodging Association, are entered into a contract with the Department of Labor (DOL) to create and implement a registered apprenticeship initiative for the restaurant and hospitality industries. The program will provide a definitive pathway to equip individuals with the knowledge, skills and confidence to advance to management-level positions. NRAEF has received other grants with DOL for ex-offenders to find employment in the restaurant and hospitality industries.