The Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation (LRAEF) was established in 1995 by the Louisiana Restaurant Association as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization to enhance the industry's service to the public through education, workforce development, and promotion of career opportunities. Our mission is fulfilled through three programs: ProStart, LRAEF Scholars and Apprenticeship. Louisiana ProStart®, the LRAEF's signature program, began in 1997 and has grown to more than 2,300 students at 65 schools throughout the state. From culinary techniques to management skills, ProStart's industry- driven curriculum provides real-world educational opportunities, builds practical skills and a foundation that will last a lifetime. The LRAEF Scholars program was established in 2009 and grants scholarships to students attending a two- or four-year post-secondary school in a culinary or hospitality related program/major. The Restaurant Youth Registered Apprenticeship (RYRA) was established in 2020 and is an "earn while you learn" training model to help new hires and existing workers achieve skill mastery, earn an industry recognized credential, and advance towards a career.