RAMW’S EDUCATED EATS Announces A Third DC ProStart School
WASHINGTON, DC (NOVEMBER 1, 2024) — Washington DC’s ProStart welcomes Cardozo Education Campus (formerly Cardozo Senior High School) to their culinary and management program. The ProStart program will be implemented and its two-year curriculum taught under the direction of Fredrick R. Monroe, Chef Instructor and DC ProStart Educator.
ProStart, administered by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF), and implanted in DC by Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington and DC Public Schools, is a nationwide culinary and management program for high school students that develops the best and brightest talent into tomorrow’s restaurant and foodservice industry leaders. The program is a key part of fostering workforce development for the region’s foodservice industry and provides scholarship opportunities and career pathways for DC youth in continuing education. ProStart is facilitated under Educated Eats, Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington’s Education Foundation.
ProStart's industry-driven curriculum is one-of-a-kind and exposes students to a world beyond their expectations. Students learn from educators in the classroom through comprehensive coursework in areas like advanced cooking techniques and learning how to run a successful restaurant, and they gain valuable hands-on experiences through professional placements with mentors in the restaurant and food service industry.
With the addition of Cardozo High School (Ward 1), there are close to 300 students enrolled in DC ProStart through DCPS schools. Other DC ProStart schools include Ballou High School (Ward 8), and Theodore Roosevelt High School (Ward 4).
“DCPS Career and Technical Education is extremely pleased to announce the implementation of the first year of the Cardozo EC Culinary Arts program, said Crystal Smith, Director of Career Preparedness Programs for DC Public Schools. Leading the program is a veteran Chef Educator Fredrick Monroe, who has taught with DCPS as a Culinary Arts Instructor for the past 16 years. He is a seasoned ProStart Educator and has instructed many students in the ProStart curriculum. The Cardozo EC Culinary Arts program is a part of their redesign program and will also incorporate entrepreneurship. CTE is proud to be a part of this redesign process and we look forward to much success with the Culinary Arts program with the continued support of RAMW and ProStart.”
“Cardozo Education Campus, a proud member of the DC+XQ cohort, is leveraging its Culinary Arts Program to introduce students to the world of entrepreneurship”, said Chef Instructor Fredrick R. Monroe. “ Through this innovative approach, students gain hands-on experience in culinary skills while learning critical business fundamentals. This practical learning experience is part of Cardozo’s broader school redesign, which emphasizes equipping students with real-world skills to prepare them for a variety of career paths.”
“Super excited to work with Chef Monroe and the students at Cardozo” said educator Dan Traster. “Adding a third school to the DC Prostart competition will up the game for all students. They’ll learn from each other, grow together, and see a greater number of ideas. I firmly believe the students will increase the caliber of the work they produce when they face increased competition. I can’t wait to see which teams go to the nationals in Baltimore!”
"Welcoming our third high school into the DC ProStart program is an exciting milestone for our community and the future of the restaurant industry. Together, we are building a stronger, more inspired workforce, and we are thrilled to see this program's continued growth." said Shawn Townsend, President and CEO of Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington.
“We are thrilled to have Cardozo High School launching their ProStart Program”, said Scott Attman, Chairman of the Educated Eats Foundation Board of Directors. “At the Educated Eats Foundation, we're committed to supporting the next generation of culinary and hospitality leaders. This is a wonderful opportunity to provide even more students within the District hands-on experience, industry knowledge, and unique access to the hospitality industry that will equip them with invaluable skills for their future careers. We look forward to seeing the incredible achievements that will come from this program while we continue to foster the next generation of culinary leaders across our region.”
Visit ChooseRestaurants.org/ProStart to learn more about the ProStart program, the NRAEF and its impact.
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About Educated Eats
Founded in 2004, Educated Eats 501(c)3 advocates for the value of employment through the restaurant and foodservice industry and is committed to creating the next generation of culinary professionals.
Through Educated Eats, RAMW helps public school districts and local community colleges design and implement culinary education programs, provides scholarships to promising culinary students and seeks new partnerships outside of the public school system, in an effort to serve more challenged populations.
Educated Eats scholarships are designed to assist individuals who demonstrate an interest in and commitment to the restaurant industry. Scholarships are provided to both high school students pursuing a course of undergraduate culinary study, as well as to those already active in the restaurant industry who are interested in opportunities to return to school to refresh and deepen their skill set.
Past Educated Eats scholarship recipients have gone on to graduate at the top of their classes at some of the nation’s finest culinary schools, like the Culinary Institute of America and Johnson & Wales.
About NRAEF
As the philanthropic foundation of the National Restaurant Association, the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation’s mission of service to the public is dedicated to enhancing the industry’s training and education, career development and community engagement efforts.
The NRAEF and its programs work to Attract, Empower and Advance today’s and tomorrow’s restaurant and foodservice workforce.
NRAEF program include:
● ProStart® – a high-school career and technical education program;
● Restaurant Ready – partnering with community-based organizations to provide opportunity youth and previously incarcerated individuals with skills training and job opportunities;
● Military – helping military servicemen and women transition their skills to restaurant and foodservice careers;
● Scholarships – financial assistance for students pursuing restaurant, foodservice and hospitality degrees; and, the
● Hospitality Sector Registered Apprenticeship project – a partnership with the American Hotel & Lodging Association providing a hospitality apprenticeship program for the industry.