ProStart Program Background

Overview

The ProStart program, administered by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF), is a nationwide system of high school restaurant and foodservice courses linked with mentored worksite experiences. The ProStart program is comprised of state-driven industry and educational partnerships throughout the country, and it exists as the national umbrella organization for restaurant and foodservice career education. Currently, nearly 45,000 high school students at more than 1,190 schools in 45 states and territories are enrolled in the program. In addition, 5,500 students are taking part in a 400-hour internship or are employed within the restaurant and foodservice industry during the 2004-2005 school year.

Industry Employment Challenge

• The $440 billion restaurant and foodservice industry employs more people than any other private sector industry in the U.S., and this trend is expected to continue well into the future.
• The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the number of restaurant and foodservice industry jobs during the period of 2004 to 2014 will increase by approximately 1.8 million, of which approximately 45,000 will be management positions.
• Restaurant and foodservice managers rank industry employee availability and industry skill level second only to competition.
• Young people are unaware of the potential careers in the restaurant and foodservice industry.
• The ProStart program is the industry's first initiative to deliver industry-written curricula linked with mentored internships through a nationwide program.

ProStart Initiative Role

• Promote adoption of restaurant and foodservice curricula in high schools.
• Increase industry involvement in educational partnerships.
• Set standards for career education.
• Improve the restaurant and foodservice industry's image.
• Strengthen educator-industry partnerships.
• Assist in developing financial resources.
• Document the impact of the ProStart program.

ProStart Initiative Long-Term Goals

• Establish the restaurant and foodservice industry as the industry of choice for career seekers.
• Maintain the highest career education standards.
• Raise awareness about the ProStart program with high school students.
• Significantly increase the restaurant and foodservice industry's recruitment efforts.
• Create more national articulation agreements with colleges that offer restaurant and foodservice education curricula.
• Recognize industry leaders for their contribution to the ProStart program.

States and Territories Currently Offering the ProStart Program

Alabama	Florida	Kansas	Minnesota	Missouri	Ohio	Vermont	Guam
Alaska	Georgia	Louisiana	Montana	Oklahoma	Virginia	Minnesota
Arizona	Hawaii	Maine	Nebraska	Oregon	Washington
Arkansas	Idaho	Maryland	New Jersey	Rhode Island	Washington D.C.	Tennessee
California	Illinois	Massachusetts	New Mexico	South Carolina	West Virginia
Colorado	Indiana	Michigan	New York	Texas	Wisconsin
Connecticut	Iowa	Mississippi	Nevada	Utah	Wyoming

How to Get Involved

• Make a financial contribution to support the development and maintenance of the ProStart program and the services needed to foster participation at the state level.
• Become an internship worksite and mentor high school students.
• Help fund high school curricula, worksite internships, recognition events, teacher training, and educational workshops.
• Contribute in-kind donations of time to organize workforce development initiatives and partnerships, coordinate events such as career days, and sponsor learning opportunities such as field trips to worksites.

What are the Benefits of Being a ProStart Partner?

• Help create solutions to key human resource challenges.
• Recruit tomorrow's managers today.
• Enhance the restaurant and foodservice industry image.
• Impact the lives of students by introducing them to a career in the restaurant and foodservice industry and preparing them with life enhancing skills.
• Invest in our nation's future.
• Earn recognition as an industry partner in all materials and at key events.

Who Should Be Involved in the ProStart Program?

All restaurant and foodservice industry stakeholders who have a vested interest in America's youth and the future success of the industry will benefit from sponsoring the ProStart program.

The following industry leaders recognize the value of the ProStart program:

Founding Partners AFC Enterprises, Inc. American Express Corporation Anton Airfood, Inc. The Coca-Cola Company Ecolab, Inc. Golden Corral Corporation The H. J. Heinz Company Foundation Hyatt Hotels and Resorts The J. Willard and Alice S. Mariott Foundation Sodexho, Inc. T.G.I. Friday's

Platinum Partners The Coca-Cola Company The J. Willard and Alice S. Mariott Foundation Gold Partners Sodexho, Inc. Silver Partners American Express Corporation Buca, Inc. Compass Group North America Darden Restaurants Ecolab, Inc. Golden Corral Corporation Longhorn Steakhouse T.G.I. Friday's Bronze Partners Ruth's Chris Steakhouse Supporting Partners Buffalo Wild Wings, Inc. Land O'Lakes, Inc. Rich Products Corporation Tyson Foods, Inc.

Past Founding Sponsors: AFC Enterprises, Inc., Anton Airfood, Inc., Ecolab Inc., and the H.J. Heinz Company Foundation