Empowering Future Chefs: $5,000 Grants for Culinary Arts in High Schools

The Rachael Ray Foundation, alongside the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF), is once again making strides in culinary arts education. With applications now open, high schools across the United States have the opportunity to apply for a $5,000 grant aimed at enhancing or launching their ProStart career and technical education (CTE) programs. This initiative, which runs until September 19, 2025, seeks to foster the next generation of culinary talents while enriching restaurant management education.

A New Chapter in Culinary Education

This year marks the sixth round of the Rachael Ray Foundation’s ProStart Grow Grants. An impressive total of 48 high schools will be selected to receive these grants, which can be put towards upgrading classroom equipment, enhancing resources, or setting up new kitchens designed for success. Both existing ProStart programs and new applicants looking to introduce ProStart in the 2026-2027 academic year are welcomed to apply.

Rachael Ray, the founder of The Rachael Ray Foundation, expressed her enthusiasm for this partnership, emphasizing how ProStart connects students with various career pathways in the restaurant industry. “ProStart is inspiring students by connecting them with the numerous career opportunities that exist in the restaurant industry,” she stated. “I’m excited to partner with the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation once again to give teachers the tools they need to invest in these young people.”

Grant Impact: Transforming Education

Rachael Ray Foundation has a significant history of supporting ProStart programs, having awarded over $1 million in funds through 153 grants. The organization's commitment extends beyond monetary support; it includes providing over 260 scholarships through Rachael Ray's Yum-o! Organization. This extensive investment in culinary education reflects a broader aim: to build essential skills among students while simultaneously addressing the workforce challenges within the restaurant and foodservice sectors.

“ProStart has helped to transform classrooms into launchpads for future chefs, managers, and entrepreneurs,” remarked Rob Gifford, President of the NRAEF. He highlighted the grants as crucial in cultivating tomorrow’s restaurant industry leaders.

Hands-on Experience and Industry Certifications

ProStart is a two-year CTE program available to high schools and technical centers throughout the U.S., including Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. The program equips students with practical skills through hands-on experiences and industry certifications, paving the way for careers in the restaurant and foodservice sectors. Culinary students, for instance, learn to prepare elaborate meals using minimal resources, while those focusing on restaurant management devise business plans for innovative concepts.

One inspiring testament to the ProStart program comes from Suzanne Fekete-Stilley, a ProStart instructor at Albany High School in Louisiana, who noted the profound impact of the Grow Grant on her program. “The Rachael Ray Grow Grant has transformed our culinary program and opened new doors for our students,” she said. Her school utilized the grant to not only provide recognized certifications but also arrange a field trip to New Orleans that offered students real-world insight into culinary careers.

Application Process and Eligibility

The application process for these grants is managed by the NRAEF, which requires schools to submit complete applications by the specified deadline. Those receiving funds for new ProStart programs must agree to join the initiative or return the grants if unable to comply.

For more information on eligibility requirements and to submit an application, visit the official ProStart page linked in the outreach materials.

About the Organizations

The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation is dedicated to enhancing training and education for the foodservice industry. It operates several programs aimed at attracting and nurturing talent within the sector.

The Rachael Ray Foundation is a private initiative funded by proceeds from the sale of Rachael Ray Nutrish. It was launched to support various causes, particularly focusing on food education and community engagement that empower families to develop healthy relationships with food and cooking.

Together, these organizations aim not only to boost culinary education but also to inspire a new generation of leaders within the restaurant industry.