Massachusetts Restaurant Association

History of the MRAEF Annual Scholarship Fund

The mission of the MRA Educational Foundation is to assist in the development of future leaders of the restaurant and foodservice industry.

	“Each year, awarding scholarships to enthusiastic students is the highlight of the MRAEF efforts. It not only signifies the hospitality industry’s recognition of each student’s hard work but also assists in preparing these students for a career in foodservice that many could not afford on their own. Our future employees and leaders are among this group of deserving recipients.”
Tom Shea, MRAEF President, Briar Group

The Massachusetts Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (MRAEF) was founded to help industry members continue to learn and grow, but also to help develop our future leaders. Due to the MRAEF’s efforts, in 1999 the first high schools in Massachusetts began offering students the opportunity to learn about the restaurant and foodservice industry, and develop the skills needed for success through a program called ProStart. Today, this program is offered in 23 high schools throughout the state to over 1,000 students on a daily basis.

Through this industry-developed curriculum, as well as internships and mentoring by experienced members of the industry, many students are now on their way to a rewarding career. And, through the generosity of members of this industry, the MRAEF has been able to help many of these students continue their education in college. In 2007, the MRAEF, in partnership with the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, awarded $75,000 in scholarships to 31 students who are now working toward achieving their goals. Since 2000, almost $500,000 has been awarded to 188 students.

We welcome our scholarship winners to our industry and invite each of you to join
us in congratulating them. Our students are recognized for their achievements and share how important these scholarships are to them below.

But, these opportunities would not be available without the generosity of people who care about the future of this industry. If you, your family, or your company would like to make a significant investment in the young men and women who are the future of our industry, please contact Peter Christie at 800.852.3042 or email
pchristie@massrestaurantassoc.org.

Danielle Carr
Tri-County Reg. Voc. High School
Franklin, MA
“This scholarship means so much to me. It is such an honor to be recognized for all of my hard work, and it confirms my belief that hard work and dedication really does pay off in the culinary industry. Receiving this scholarship will motivate me to continue to strive for excellence even when the going gets tough because I will remember that YOU believe in me. ”

Alex Ritt
Nauset Regional High School
North Eastham, MA
“By awarding students like me these scholarships, you show that the future of the restaurant industry is important to you. As I create the building blocks in college that I will need to eventually open my own restaurant in Massachusetts, I will remember your generosity and vow to help another student when I am able, just as you have helped me.”