About Us
The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to fulfilling the educational mission of the National Restaurant Association. Focusing on three key strategies of risk management, recruitment, and retention, the NRAEF is the premier provider of educational resources, materials and programs which address attracting, developing and retaining the industry's workforce.
As the nation's largest private sector employer, the restaurant and foodservice industry is the cornerstone of the American economy, of career-and-employment opportunities and of local communities. We, at the NRAEF, are focused on enhancing this position by providing the industry with valuable tools and resources needed to educate our current and incoming employees.
The NRAEF focuses on food safety and responsible alcohol service through risk management programs:
ServSafe® Food Safety Certification program - the most widely accepted food safety program among local, state and federal health departments
ServSafe AlcoholTM Responsible Alcohol Service Training program - a practical and comprehensive approach to responsible alcohol service training for all front-of-the-house staff
The NRAEF focuses on attracting and retaining a skilled workforce through recruitment and retention programs:
ProStart® Program - career-building high school program designed to attract future managers and leaders to our industry
Scholarships and Mentoring Program - awards scholarships to students and educators who have demonstrated a commitment to continuing their foodservice education and pursuing a career in the industry
NRAEF ManageFirst Program® - teaches college students and industry professionals the management skills defined by the foodservice industry as those necessary for success
NRAEF Leadership & Management Program featuring Harvard ManageMentor® Plus - helps working industry professionals develop people skills and become better leaders
Foodservice Workforce Solutions Web site - comprehensive online portfolio of useful resources to help operators address their workforce challenges
Foodservice Management Professional® (FMP®) - distinguishes exceptional industry managers who achieve a high level of knowledge, experience, leadership and professionalism our industry most values