48 High Schools to Receive Grants for Culinary Education Programs
Forty-eight high schools will receive $5,000 grants to enhance or establish ProStart culinary and restaurant management programs.
The Rachael Ray Foundation and the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) have announced the opening of applications for the 2025 Rachael Ray Foundation ProStart Grow Grants. These grants, each valued at $5,000, aim to support high school culinary arts and restaurant management education across the United States. Applications are being accepted until September 19.
A total of 48 high schools will be selected to receive the grants, which are intended to upgrade classroom equipment and resources. The funds will support educators in delivering ProStart's curriculum focused on culinary arts and restaurant management. Schools planning to start their ProStart programs in the 2026-2027 academic year are also eligible to apply. The selected schools will be notified in October.
This initiative marks the sixth round of Grow Grant funding from The Rachael Ray Foundation. To date, the foundation has awarded more than $1 million to ProStart schools through 153 grants. Additionally, the foundation has provided over 260 scholarships through Rachael Ray's Yum-o! Organization, focusing on restaurant and foodservice career education.
ProStart is a two-year career and technical education program available in high schools and technical centers in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. The program offers students hands-on experience and industry certifications to prepare them for careers in the restaurant and foodservice sectors. Culinary students in the program learn to prepare a three-course meal using limited equipment, while restaurant management students develop business plans for original restaurant concepts.
The NRAEF is responsible for administering the Grow Grant application process. Schools must submit a complete application by the deadline. New ProStart schools selected for funding are required to sign an agreement to join the program or return the funds.
For more information and to apply, interested parties can visit the NRAEF website.
