The restaurant industry is more than just food—it's people, opportunity, and growth. At the center of that mission is the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF), a nonprofit dedicated to building the future of the foodservice workforce.

What the NRAEF Does

The NRAEF invests in people. It focuses on education, training, and career development for current and future restaurant professionals. Through a mix of scholarships, workforce programs, and partnerships with schools and businesses, the foundation works to create pathways to success in the industry—especially for those who might otherwise be overlooked.

Key Programs

Here’s how the NRAEF is making a difference:

  • ProStart: A nationwide, two-year high school program that teaches culinary arts and restaurant management. Students get real-world experience and mentorship that can lead directly to jobs or further education.

  • Hospitality Pathways: This program helps justice-involved individuals, military service members transitioning to civilian life, and Opportunity Youth (young people not in school or working) gain skills and jobs in hospitality.

  • Apprenticeship Programs: These offer earn-while-you-learn opportunities in kitchen management and restaurant operations. It’s a fast-track for those who want to move up without traditional college debt.

  • Scholarships: Each year, the NRAEF gives out hundreds of scholarships to students pursuing careers in foodservice, hospitality, and culinary arts.

Why It Matters

The restaurant industry is one of the largest private-sector employers in the U.S., with millions of people relying on it for their first job, their career, or a second chance. The NRAEF helps turn those jobs into long-term career paths. It provides training for advancement, not just entry, and focuses on inclusion, equity, and upward mobility.

Final Word

The restaurant world thrives when people are given the chance to succeed. The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation is working behind the scenes to make sure that chance is available to all—through education, support, and real opportunity.

If you're in the industry, thinking about joining, or looking to support workforce development, the NRAEF is an organization to know.