The Michigan Restaurant Association is proud to announce that its Educational Support Foundation (MRA ESF) was recently presented with a $10,000 grant from American Express for the MRA ESF's number one program focus, the ProStart® School-to-Career Program. This two-year industry-developed curriculum is designed to prepare high school students as serious and committed employees of the hospitality and foodservice industry today and tomorrow.
Currently 29 high schools, over 1,200 students and 400 work sites in Michigan make up this growing and thriving program.
The hospitality and foodservice industry's involvement through mentorship is a key component of its success. All ProStart® graduates must receive a minimum of 400 hours of mentored work experience.
Not only do students participate in the two-year curriculum, they have the opportunity to compete in a state culinary, knowledge-quiz bowl and management competition. The winning team in each category is sent to the national competition of the NRA Educational Foundation.
Special emphasis is placed on our program instructors. One example is the November Educator Roundtable where teachers come together to enhance their skills. This year's roundtable will be held at Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor. The educator roundtable brings together an interesting mix of first year and seasoned educators for a one-day workshop. One of the most popular sessions is a "Best Practices" session that allows educators to share different teaching techniques and have an opportunity to learn from each other.
This educational opportunity is made possible thanks to the generous support of industry fundraisers and sponsors, along with grant monies from a variety of sources. If you would like to find out how you can contribute to the future leaders of Michigan's hospitality industry, please contact Penny Papantonopoulus at the MRA at 800-968-9668.
