Georgia Restaurant Association Foundation

The Georgia Restaurant Association Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization dedicated to workforce development and education through programs such as ProStart, Restaurant Ready, Fulton Education Foundation Bootcamps, and more. 

Georgia ProStart Program

By bringing together the industry and the classroom, the Georgia ProStart® culinary program gives students a platform to discover new interests and talents to open doors for fulfilling careers. From culinary techniques to management skills, ProStart’s industry-driven curriculum provides real-life experience opportunities and builds practical skills and a foundation that will last a lifetime. Learn more. 

Restaurant Ready

Restaurant Ready is a national program dedicated to helping people acquire the basic job and life skills necessary to pursue jobs in the restaurant and hospitality industry, and jumpstart a pathway to independence. Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) partner with National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) and the GRA Foundation  to provide training in six work-ready competency areas defined by the hospitality industry. These competencies are designed to help participants acquire the skills, discipline, and confidence to start a job and stay employed. The Foundation links individuals to local employers and community-based organizations provide wrap-around services to eliminate any barriers to success. Learn more. 

Fulton Education Foundation Bootcamp

Through our partnership with the Fulton Education Foundation and Fulton County Schools, the GRA Foundation also leads the NextGen Culinary Bootcamp. This after-school program immerses students in hands-on kitchen labs and real-world workforce skills. Over two evenings, participants build confidence in essentials like knife skills, kitchen safety, resumes, and interviews while connecting with industry professionals and local culinary educators. In our most recent camps, more than 80 students completed the program, with the vast majority reporting increased interest in culinary/hospitality classes and feeling more prepared for their future careers.

Support the Foundation

Donate. Your donation helps fund:

• • Foundation scholarships
  • Student mentoring programs
  • Student internship programs
  • Educational programming
  • Workforce development opportunities

Mentor. You can do your part to help support and nurture the next generation of hospitality professionals. You do not need to make a major commitment to do it. Visiting a classroom, hosting a field trip, participating in our mentor networking events, and lending your knowledge and skills for our ProStart teacher trainings are all great ways to give back and make a lasting impression. 

Volunteer. Want to give your time instead? The Foundation is always looking for qualified foodservice and hospitality professionals to support the Georgia ProStart Program at events throughout the year. 

Contact Raymond Mesa to get started.