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Welcome to the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation Application Portal!
The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation mission is to empower people from all backgrounds with the training and education they need to secure a better future. We do this by creating meaningful opportunities within the restaurant, foodservice, and hospitality industry, including scholarships for students pursuing higher education, grants and professional development programming for educators, funding to support ProStart classrooms, and resources that help strengthen career pathways. Through these investments in both students and educators, we equip the next generation of industry professionals with the skills, experiences, and support needed to succeed and lead.
For more information about, please visit our website at chooserestaurants.org/scholarships
Scholarships and Grants
The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) provides merit-based scholarships and grants for students pursuing higher education degrees related to the restaurant, foodservice and hospitality industry. Scholarship awards range from $2,500 to $10,000 and may vary in criteria or preferences.
In addition to our undergraduate scholarships, we offer grants to support graduate students doing research in viticulture or enology.
NRAEF Scholarships
Merit-based scholarships for students pursuing higher-education degrees. Amounts and criteria vary by award.
Viticulture & Enology Graduate Grant
Support for graduate students conducting research in viticulture or enology.
A few helpful hints before you begin.
Have the following items accessible for upload/submission when you are ready to apply:
- PDF of transcripts at your current institution that show your cumulative GPA.
- Military discharge papers or statement of service (if you are a veteran or in the military).
Please make sure that you're providing an accurate email address that you check often and is NOT a school-issued email.
Tell your story in your own voice. Share real experiences, why you chose a career path in the restaurant and hospitality industry, and the impact you want to make.
ProStart Classroom and Educator Grants
The NRAEF offers classroom grants to support schools to grow or expand their ProStart Programs as well as grants to support teachers and their continuing education. Below are the opportunities open to schools and teachers
Rachael Ray ProStart Grow Grant
In 2019, the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) partnered with the Rachael Ray Foundation to create the ProStart Grow Grants program. These grants provide $5,000 to ProStart schools, or schools interested in starting a ProStart program, to support and expand their operations. Schools with existing ProStart programs, as well as those seeking to launch one, may apply for the grant. Recipients are selected based on how effectively they demonstrate the use of funds to create meaningful impact, either by strengthening an existing program or establishing a new one.
ProStart JumpStart Grant
The NRAEF JumpStart Grant Program provides ProStart students with an opportunity to attend The National Restaurant Association Show , the industry's premier showcase of foodservice innovation, industry trends, and professional networking. Selected schools will bring up to 12 students and three (3) chaperones to attend the JumpStart event in Chicago, IL, May 14-17, 2027. Participants will engage in guided show floor exploration, career-focused educational sessions and an opportunity to meet and network with leading companies and industry professionals. The NRAEF will cover select travel, lodging, and participation costs. An additional stipend will be provided to help offset incidental expenses.
Educator of Excellence Award
The NRAEF ProStart National Educator of Excellence Awards (EEA) recognize educators who demonstrate excellence in the classroom and exemplify passion, commitment, and creativity in all aspects of the ProStart program, helping students maximize the opportunities ProStart provides. Their stories inspire ProStart educators and supporters across the country, while their impact extends far beyond their own classrooms. Each state’s Educator of Excellence award recipient is also named a ProStart Educator Fellow, serving as a national educator ambassador during the following academic year. In this role, Fellows champion career and technical education, share best practices, elevate student success stories, and help advance the ProStart mission nationwide.
ProStart Professional Development
ProStart Professional Development (ProStart PD) is the premier professional learning experience for ProStart educators nationwide. ProStart PD supports educators in delivering high quality culinary arts and restaurant management instruction aligned to the Foundations of Restaurant Management and Culinary Arts (FRMCA) curriculum.
Restaurants Advance Leadership Awards
The Restaurants Advance Leadership Awards (RALA) recognize and celebrate leaders in the restaurant industry whose contributions positively impact their communities and advance the culture of America's second-largest private-sector employer. Four winners are honored each year at a high-profile awards ceremony in Washington, DC. The NRAEF also awards a $2,500 scholarship in the winner’s name to support the next generation of restaurant leaders. Below are the award categories.
Restaurants Advance Leadership Awards
Select the category that best represents your nominee when submitting an application.
- Inclusion Innovator Award recognizes an individual who demonstrates outstanding leadership in creating a workplace culture where people from all backgrounds can contribute, succeed, and feel valued.
- Community Champion Leadership Award, presented by American Express, honors a restaurant that has made a lasting, positive impact in its community through charitable giving, fundraising, volunteer efforts, and local support.
- The My Journey Award, presented by PepsiCo, recognizes an individual who has overcome challenges or adversity to achieve personal and professional success in the restaurant industry, while positively influencing others, setting a strong example as a leader and mentor, and creating opportunities for others.
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The Thad and Alice Eure Ambassador of Hospitality Award, presented by Ecolab, honors an individual who demonstrates exceptional achievement and leadership in the industry, reflects the Foundation’s mission, and uses their influence to strengthen the industry through service and philanthropy.
Nominations open May 15, 2027
Volunteer Opportunities
The NRAEF offers...
NPSI Judge Application
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NPSI Team Ambassador Application
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Scholarship Review Judge Application
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How to Apply
1. Register
Click on the "Register" link and complete and submit the registration form.
2. Login
Login to the award with your email and password.
3. Create
Go to the Dashboard tab in the header and create your application from the drop down menu. All open applications will be listed here.
4. Save
During the Call for Applications period, your application can be saved as DRAFT until all the required information is completed and attachments uploaded. As each section is complete, you will see a 
appear in the category tab when the application is saved. At any time, you can download and print your application by clicking on the 
icon in the Application Summary section.
5. Submit
On completion, save your Application as FINAL. Download and print a copy of your application for your records by clicking on the icon in the Application Summary section in the right column. Note: If an update is required prior to the Call for Applications period, you can make the update and resave as FINAL.
If you require assistance or additional information, please contact the Program Administrator.
FAQs, Terms and Conditions
Review frequently asked questions, application guidance, and important program information before applying.
Helpful Resources
Access FAQs and supporting documents for scholarships, grants, awards, and program requirements.
Key Dates
Rachael Ray Grow Grant Application
Applications Open: August 18, 2026Applications Close: September 24, 2026
ProStart Program Support Grant and Restaurant Ready Grant
Nominations Open: August 20, 2026Nominations Close: September 15, 2026
Scholarship Application
Applications Open: January 15, 2027Applications Close: March 15, 2027
Award Notification: June 15, 2027
Restaurants Advance Leadership Award Nominations
Nominations Open: May 15, 2027Nominations Close: July 17, 2027
JumpStart Grant Application
Applications Open: October 12, 2026Applications Close: November 13, 2026
Contact Us
National Restaurant Association2055 L St. NW
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202 331 5900
Email: scholars@nraef.org
Social Media
NRAEF
For more information, please visit our website at www.chooserestaurants.org