Rachael Ray ProStart Grow Grants Launch for Culinary Education

In a joint initiative aimed at fostering the next generation of culinary and restaurant professionals, The Rachael Ray Foundation and the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) have launched the 2026 Rachael Ray ProStart Grow Grants. These grants, totaling $5,000 each, are available to schools across the country to enhance or establish ProStart programs, a career and technical education curriculum that combines culinary arts and restaurant management.

The grants are designed to equip educators with the necessary resources to bring ProStart's comprehensive curriculum to life, enabling students to gain practical experience and certifications. Funding can be utilized for a variety of purposes, including equipment, classroom improvements, student certifications, and curriculum resources.

Rachael Ray, known for her culinary expertise, expressed her admiration for the ProStart program. "I have long admired the ProStart model. It is a bridge between high school students and the many career paths that span the restaurant, hospitality, and foodservice industry," she said. "We are always so excited to support these programs with the resources they need to invest in the next generation of industry professionals."

The restaurant and foodservice industry is the nation's second-largest employer, offering more than 2,000 unique career pathways across over 70 vocations. The ProStart curriculum is more than an elective; it is a comprehensive program that teaches students the essentials of the culinary arts and restaurant management, providing them with over 400 hours of practical work experience and access to apprenticeship and scholarship opportunities.

Michelle Korsmo, CEO of the NRAEF, highlighted the importance of these grants. "ProStart educators are inspiring the next generation of restaurant and hospitality professionals by connecting classroom instruction with hands-on industry experiences that bring career opportunities to life," she said. "The Rachael Ray Foundation ProStart Grow Grants help educators expand those experiences and equip students with the skills, confidence, and industry exposure needed to explore rewarding careers in the nation's second-largest private employer."

Since 2019, the ProStart Grow Grant program has awarded over $1 million through 153 grants to schools nationwide. The application process is now open, with interested schools and educators encouraged to apply for the grants. Applications will be accepted from Tuesday, August 18, 2026, through Thursday, September 24, 2026. Awards will be announced in late October.

Educators and school administrators can find more information and apply for the grants at: <https://chooserestaurants.org/programs/scholarships-grants/rachael-ray-prostart-grow-grant/>

The NRAEF, as the supporting philanthropic foundation of the National Restaurant Association, focuses on enhancing the industry's training and education, career development, and community engagement efforts. Its programs include ProStart, which helps students bridge the gap between high school and the restaurant industry.

The Rachael Ray Foundation, on the other hand, aims to support causes Rachael cares about, such as helping animals in need, and works with organizations that support Yum-o!, her 501c3, to amplify their efforts through additional funding. Yum-o! focuses on empowering kids and their families to develop healthy relationships with food and cooking.