The primary focus of the DRAEF is to strengthen the industry workforce by educating and mentoring our current and next generations of industry leaders. The DRAEF provide skills, training, and certification necessary for success in their chosen industries and communities.
The Delaware Restaurant Association Educational Foundation is the non-profit, philanthropic arm of the Delaware Restaurant Association, dedicated to education, training, and workforce development for restaurant, hospitality, and foodservice workers in our local communities.
The Delaware Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (DRAEF) was founded in 2014 in response to the ongoing need for sustainable training and education initiatives within the restaurant and hospitality industries in Delaware. The restaurant industry in Delaware is growing steadily, and currently accounts for 11% of the entire workforce, over 47,000 jobs, and $2.0 billion dollars in annual sales. During the next 10 years, the restaurant industry is projected to add over 1.7 million jobs, 4,700 of which will be in Delaware. The primary focus of the DRAEF is to strengthen the industry workforce by educating and mentoring the next generation of industry leaders. The cornerstone initiative of the DRAEF is the ProStart Program, a comprehensive, career-building program that blends industry-driven classroom learning with mentored work experience, giving ProStart a “professional start” for students that may not have been interested in traditional career paths. The program gives them the skills and confidence necessary to become successful leaders in their chosen industries and communities.
“ProStart is essential to strengthening the stature of our industry because of its focus on youth and workforce development. We are guiding students to exciting careers in the foodservice industry, and preparing them for leadership positions with the skills and certifications necessary to succeed in this industry.”
– Carrie Leishman, President & CEO, DRAEF
Learn more about:
The Delaware ProStart Program | ServSafe Training | Sponsorship & Partnership Opportunities
PROUD SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS OF THE DRA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION
