Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation

The Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation is dedicated to helping young people discover meaningful career pathways while gaining the skills needed to succeed in the hospitality industry. At the heart of this mission is the Louisiana ProStart program, an industry-driven curriculum that equips high school students across the state with hands-on culinary training and real-world restaurant management experience. ProStart serves as the critical first step in building a strong, skilled workforce for Louisiana’s hospitality community.

For many students, the next step is turning that foundation into a career. The LRAEF Apprenticeship Program provides that bridge, connecting ProStart graduates with employer partners through a structured, earn-while-you-learn model that allows them to gain experience, build confidence, and continue their education while working in the industry.

Your support helps make this pathway accessible to every student with the passion to pursue it. Each gift directly supports ProStart graduates as they enter apprenticeships, helping to remove barriers by covering essential needs such as professional interview attire, transportation, and other startup costs.

By investing in these students, you’re not only changing individual lives, you’re strengthening the future of Louisiana’s hospitality industry.