When people think about the restaurant industry, they often picture chefs, waitstaff, and food critics. But behind the scenes, there’s an organization working to build a stronger, more inclusive, and more skilled foodservice workforce: the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF).

Here’s what you need to know about it—and why it’s worth paying attention to.

The Mission: Opportunity Through Education

The NRAEF isn’t about lobbying or policy. It’s about people. Its core mission is to attract, empower, and advance the next generation of hospitality talent. That includes everyone from high school students exploring culinary arts to veterans transitioning into civilian careers.

The Foundation focuses on education and workforce development. It partners with schools, employers, and communities to connect people with real training and real job opportunities.

What They Do

1. ProStart:
This two-year high school program combines culinary training with management skills. Students get classroom instruction and hands-on experience—often in real restaurant settings. It's available in all 50 states and has helped thousands of teens find direction and build careers in foodservice.

2. Scholarships:
College is expensive. The NRAEF helps students in culinary arts, restaurant management, and hospitality programs pay for it. Every year, they award over $1 million in scholarships. That can be life-changing for someone trying to break into the industry.

3. Hospitality Opportunities for People (Re)Entering Society (HOPES):
This program supports people who’ve been incarcerated and are re-entering society. It offers them career training in restaurants and hospitality—a second chance with real skills and support.

4. Military Programs:
Veterans have discipline, leadership, and grit—traits that thrive in hospitality. The NRAEF helps vets and military spouses transition into restaurant careers with specialized training and resources.

Why It Matters

Restaurants are more than food—they’re one of the largest employers in the U.S. But the industry faces challenges: a labor shortage, high turnover, and a need for better training paths. The NRAEF addresses these issues head-on by creating pipelines of skilled, motivated workers.

It also opens doors for people who’ve been left out or overlooked. That’s a big deal in an industry known for giving second chances and promoting from within.

The Bottom Line

If you care about food, jobs, or the future of work, the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation is doing work that matters. It’s not flashy. It’s not trendy. But it’s making a difference—one student, one veteran, one worker at a time.