About Us
Ohio Restaurant Association Education Foundation Mission
The mission of the Ohio Restaurant Association Education Foundation is to prepare Ohio high school students for top wage, high-skilled careers in the foodservice and restaurant industries through the ProStart Program. As the sole provider of the ProStart Program in the state of Ohio, the ORAEF is committed to focusing on the following three areas:
Education
Educating and training in areas of customer service, management, and food safety is a commitment, a mindset and a smart business practice for the restaurant and foodservice industry. It is critical that every person in an operation meets the demands of the latest food safety and customer service practices. It is our goal that every student graduating from the ProStart® program meets the demands and criteria of the food service and hospitality industry.
Workforce Development
The ORAEF is devoted to building the future workforce of our industry through the implementation of ProStart®; a foodservice management program providing high school juniors and seniors with the valuable skills they need to succeed. By helping Ohio's high school students learn about the diverse opportunities available in the foodservice industry, we pave the way for the best and the brightest to go directly into a rewarding job in the industry or to further their education at a post-secondary level.
Retention
As an employer and restaurant owner, wouldn't it be ideal to hire an educated and trained employee who is passionate about their future career in the restaurant and foodservice industry? ProStart® students and graduates are motivated and focused on the restaurant and foodservice industry. ProStart® students spend two years learning and practicing an industry-based and teacher-tested foodservice professional curriculum. They are groomed potential employees waiting for the opportunity to put their skills, talents and knowledge to work. With this passion and commitment, it is an ideal scenario for prospective employers and employees. What better way to grow your business!
