National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation

National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation Fueling opportunity. Launching careers. ProStart serves 90,000 students in 47 states, Guam and U.S. military bases.

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.

05/27/2026

"What if we could find a way to financially incentivize those who are in the restaurant industry to be able to serve those who are hungry? It's created a win-win cycle." —John E. Michel, 2025 Community Champion Leadership RALA winner, presented by American Express.

From feeding communities in crisis to creating new pathways for foodservice entrepreneurs, John is redefining what it means to serve.

Does John's story remind you of someone in your community who has made an impact? Nominate them for a 2026 Restaurants Advance Leadership Award: https://bit.ly/3RocS6q

HAPPENING THIS WEEK. ⬇️Join us for our upcoming webinar: Where Military Experience Meets Industry Opportunity.We're expl...
05/26/2026

HAPPENING THIS WEEK. ⬇️

Join us for our upcoming webinar: Where Military Experience Meets Industry Opportunity.

We're exploring how the Foundation is helping service members turn their skills into meaningful careers in hospitality, and how you can support and hire this exceptional talent.

Plus, get a preview of how to connect with veteran-focused programs and opportunities at the National Restaurant Association Show this month.

Featuring speakers:
➡️ James Colbert, Heroes Linked
➡️ Baron McDaniel, Hormel Foods

Curious about what the Foundation does for the military? Join us for the webinar May 28: https://bit.ly/3Pjpc7k

05/25/2026

Career growth. Real-world experience. Stronger teams. 👏

Settlers Hospitality is celebrating the first graduating class of its registered Restaurant Apprenticeship Program in partnership with the Foundation and the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association.

From line cooks to restaurant managers, these apprentices are gaining hands-on skills, advancing their careers, and strengthening the future of hospitality.

A special thank you to the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association for helping create meaningful pathways into the industry and investing in tomorrow’s workforce.

Nominations for the Restaurants Advance Leadership Awards (RALA) are now open through July 1!RALA spotlights industry le...
05/20/2026

Nominations for the Restaurants Advance Leadership Awards (RALA) are now open through July 1!

RALA spotlights industry leaders who are making an impact and leading the way in improving the culture of the restaurant industry. These awards set the standard in how individuals can give back and improve the second largest industry in the nation.

Nominations are open in the following categories:
➡️ Inclusion Innovator Award
➡️ Community Champion Leadership Award, Presented by American Express
➡️ Thad and Alice Eure Ambassador of Hospitality Award, Presented by Ecolab
➡️ My Journey Leadership Award, Presented by PepsiCo

For full details and nomination forms, visit https://bit.ly/3RocS6q

This Military Appreciation Month, discover how service translates into opportunity.Join us for our upcoming webinar: Whe...
05/19/2026

This Military Appreciation Month, discover how service translates into opportunity.

Join us for our upcoming webinar: Where Military Experience Meets Industry Opportunity.

We're exploring how the Foundation is helping service members turn their skills into meaningful careers in hospitality, and how you can support and hire this exceptional talent.

Plus, get a preview of how to connect with veteran-focused programs and opportunities at the National Restaurant Association Show this month.

Featuring speakers:
➡️ James Colbert, Heroes Linked
➡️ Baron McDaniel, Hormel Foods

Curious about what the Foundation does for the military? Join us for the webinar May 28: https://bit.ly/3Pjpc7k

Shoutout to Culver Duck Farm for showing up in a big way for the next generation of culinary talent. 👏Through their supp...
05/18/2026

Shoutout to Culver Duck Farm for showing up in a big way for the next generation of culinary talent. 👏

Through their support at , students had the opportunity to work with high-quality ingredients that push their skills and elevate their craft.

This is what partnership looks like — real experiences, real growth, and real impact for ProStart Program students.

Over the last three days, military foodservice professionals from every branch came together for NRAEF Military Training...
05/17/2026

Over the last three days, military foodservice professionals from every branch came together for NRAEF Military Training Sessions focused on building skills, earning ServSuccess Restaurant Professional Certifications, connecting with industry leaders, and shaping the future of foodservice leadership.

We’re thankful for their continued service and commitment to supporting their fellow service members!

Cheers to our nations military foodservice members! 🥂🇺🇸We toasted these incredible individuals today at the at the ITW...
05/16/2026

Cheers to our nations military foodservice members! 🥂🇺🇸

We toasted these incredible individuals today at the at the ITW booth in honor of .

Thank you for your service and your commitment to excellence.



Illinois Tool Works
Hobart Food Equipment and Service
Vulcan Equipment
Traulsen
Baxter Manufacturing

Congratulations to the winners of the 2026 Military Foodservice Awards. 🏆Tonight’s honorees were recognized for their ex...
05/16/2026

Congratulations to the winners of the 2026 Military Foodservice Awards. 🏆

Tonight’s honorees were recognized for their exceptional commitment to operational excellence, leadership, and innovation in military foodservice management.

The Foundation is proud to support our nation’s military community both during their service and as they transition to civilian life — creating pathways to meaningful careers, professional growth, and continued success within the restaurant and hospitality industry.

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

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

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