Education Foundation Programs

WRA Education Foundation
Through the WRA Education Foundation, industry professionals have access to valuable training opportunities and programs to develop the future of the industry. The Foundation vision is to advance professionalism through education, scholarships and community involvement to ensure the future success of the foodservice industry. Support for the non-profit 501(c)(3) organization may be considered tax-deductible charitable contributions.

ProStart® for High Schools
ProStart® is a nationwide, two-year program for high school students that develops the best and brightest talent into tomorrow’s restaurant and foodservice industry leaders. From culinary techniques to management skills, ProStart’s industry-driven curriculum provides real-world education and builds practical expertise that will last a lifetime.

Scholarship Endowment
The Education Foundation Endowment Fund facilitates scholarship awards on a yearly basis to help deserving students further their industry education. Part of the Endowment Fund’s role is to assist any individual, company or organization desiring to establish a scholarship in their name or that of a special person to create a legacy and have an ongoing scholarship awarded annually on their behalf. Total scholarship funds awarded average nearly $50,000 each year, with over $750,000 scholarship dollars distributed since the Foundation’s inception in 1987.

WRA Programs

Restaurant Advocacy Fund
The Restaurant Advocacy Fund (RAF) was created to educate and inform members, legislators and the public on legislative issues affecting the restaurant industry. The fund helps ensure we retain the leadership and financial resources necessary to influence the public policy process and helps to elevate the industry’s position on issues important to foodservice businesses. To safeguard support for industry-related public policy education specific to our state, WRA holds RAF-focused fundraising events, including Lobby Day, Spring Shootout, Golf Outing and Fall Shootout.

WRA Dining Gift Certificate Donations
WRA donates gift certificates toward our statewide dining certificate program to silent auctions, raffle events and giveaways to qualifying charitable organizations and events. Because WRA Gift Certificates may be redeemed at 1000’s of restaurants across the state, donated certificates often become quite popular and are greatly appreciated by recipients.

Chapter Support
On a local level, WRA chapters host fundraisers and events to fund WRA programs and foodservice initiatives. Chapter events and descriptions are listed on the WRA Calendar of Events.

National Programs

Food Donation Connection
The Food Donation Connection (FDC) is a National Restaurant Association backed program to help end hunger, reduce food waste and provide members with the opportunity for potential tax savings. Through FDC, restaurants donate wholesome leftover food to social service agencies that provide feeding programs for people at risk of hunger. Acting as a liaison, FDC coordinates all aspects of the program so that restaurants can take advantage of unrealized tax savings while providing an alternative to discarding surplus food.

Dine Out for No Kid Hungry™
As part of Share Our Strength’s Dine Out for No Kid Hungry™ each September, restaurants across the country host fundraisers and come up with fun, creative ways to raise money to help end childhood hunger in America.

Military Foundation
The NRA’s Military Foundation focuses on providing training and industry support to military hospitality programs, promoting foodservice and hospitality career opportunities for former servicemen and women and military spouses, and working to provide small business ownership opportunities for military veterans.