In 2019, the IRA Educational Foundation (IRAEF) continued to grow the Illinois ProStart® program and worked on connecting culinary students with industry professionals through job-readiness training, scholarships, competitions, and more. 

Most notably, the IRAEF:

• Awarded a total of $174,000 in scholarships to 80 hardworking students pursuing a post-secondary education in culinary arts or hospitality management. A special thanks to Compass/Eurest Dining as Host Sponsor of the annual IRA Educational Foundation Scholarship Luncheon this past June.

• Hosted the 18h Annual ProStart® Invitational at McCormick Place, where approximately 70 students showcased their talents in the rigorous statewide culinary and management competition for scholarships, prizes and the opportunity to compete against 50 states at the National Invitational. Special thanks go to: SAVOR Chicago & Sysco for their Sponsorship of the 2019 and the upcoming 2020 ProStart® Invitational.  Save the Date for our 2020 ProStart Invitational on March 7th!

• Provided over 1000 ProStart® students with classroom based job readiness trainings, field trips, and in class guest speakers.

• Delivered over 200 work-based learning experiences where students received hands on training with employer partners on Job Shadow Day.

• Offered two culinary summer camps for 50 students. The camps focused on sustainability in the food system, hospitality management, and advanced culinary techniques.

• In conjunction with our partners, we offered ProStart® students jobs and internships at Taste of Chicago, and with various industry partners. Special thanks go to HMS Host for their continued adoption of three CPS schools and support of these schools with mentoring, field trips, summer jobs, and scholarships;

• Provided hundreds of ProStart® students with the opportunity to assist chefs at industry events to learn more about the industry, including: the James Beard Awards, National Restaurant Association Show, For the Love of Chocolate, Channel Your Inner Chef, Taste of Near North, Hamburger Hop, Bon Appétit presents Chicago Gourmet, Chef’s Table, field trips, and much more.

• Partnered with Industrial Council of Nearwest Chicago (ICNC) and The Hatchery to offer workforce development to youth on the West side of Chicago through the Impact Culinary Training Program.

• Is a sub awardee of the Department of Labor Reentry Project Grant.  This grant focuses on providing reentry and justice involved individuals the proper training and connections with industry professionals that will enable them to find sustainable jobs in Chicago.

To provide opportunities for ProStart® students to be exposed to careers in the industry, the Foundation relies on our employer partners, sponsors and donors. We are greatly appreciative of all our industry partners.

To learn more about how your company can get involved with the ProStart® Program or HOPES grant, please contact IRAEF Program Manager Kari Kramer or click here to sign up today.  

To make a donation to support career exploration, workforce development, ProStart® Invitational or scholarships, please click here.