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Deadlines this Month:
September 18
- Premier/Full ProStart paperwork due
- Mini Grant application closes
September 25
- Extreme ProStart Kitchen Makeover application closes (Premier Schools only)
ProStart School Classification
At the beginning of each school year the FRLAEF asks schools to commit to their level of participation in the ProStart program. There are three levels of participation: PREMIER, FU
LL and CURRICULUM ONLY.
PREMIER LEVEL
The FRLAEF will determine which schools qualify as Premier schools based on the benchmarks the school met during the 2025-2026 school year. In order to be classified as a Premier school this year, the program must complete the required work during the previous school year. Schools that achieve Premier status receive a stipend of $1,000.
Schools may work to qualify for Premier status until the 2025 paperwork deadline, which typically means having students earn the ProStart Certificate of Achievement (COA). If you have students you believe can earn the COA, please let us know and we can walk you through the process.
FULL OR CURRICULUM ONLY
Schools that have not earned the Premier level may choose between the Full and Curriculum Only classification. Schools that achieve Full status receive a stipend of $500.
PARTICIPATION COMMITMENT
The FRLAEF will send an email to all ProStart schools containing classification details including which level of classification a school may achieve based on their participation from last year. Please read through the details of the classification carefully to determine if you will be able to meet the requirements before committing. In order to be classified at any level, you must have and be using both the Level One and Level Two Foundations textbooks.
If the FRLAEF does not receive your commitment form by September 18, 2026, the FRLAEF will assume your school is a Curriculum Only program. This is an ANNUAL agreement.
Mini Grants
The FRLAEF is offering $125,000 in Mini Grant funding to Premiere and Full Florida ProStart schools this year. To assist in your planning, last year the average was about $1000 per school.
There are two prerequisites for grant funding: 1) you must currently teach the ProStart curriculum, and 2) you must be a Premier or Full ProStart school.
The FRLAEF Board of Directors prefers to fund items that will make your classroom self-sustaining or equipment that will be used frequently throughout the year. The board WILL NOT APPROVE electronics to include printers, computers, iPads, and digital cameras. They also do not typically approve field trips, curriculum (to include ServSafe and SafeStaff) and transportation. Please include a good explanation of how the item will be used in the classroom as this is your justification for the purchase. If you are new to Mini Grants, please let us know what questions you have!
The application deadline is Friday, September 18, 2026.
APPLY FOR A MINI GRANT NOW!
GRANT AWARD NOTIFICATION: The FRLAEF Board will meet in October to determine awards.
FRLAEF Regional Workshops – REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
The FRLA
EF is offering nine Regional Workshops this fall. ProStart teachers may bring up to five students to each event. There is no fee to attend a Regional Workshop which includes lunch and chef coats for participating ProStart students. Travel to and from Regional Workshops is at your own expense.
If Regional Workshops reach maximum capacity prior to the deadline, all subsequent schools will be placed on the waiting list. Most events begin at 8:30 am and conclude no later than 2:00 pm.
UCF Rosen College of Hospitality, Orlando:
- September 24, October 29, and November 19
Keiser University:
- Tallahassee – October 9 – CLOSED – Waiting List Available
- Sarasota – October 15
- Melbourne – October 15
World Equestrian Center, Ocala:
- October 1 – CLOSED – Waiting List Available
St. Thomas University, North Miami:
- October 23 and November 6
Please do not register for more than one event. We only have space for first-time attendees at each event, so register for the event you are most interested in attending. If you are interested in another event, let us know and we will send you the link for the Waiting List.
Universal Orlando EPIC Dish Competition – Starter Edition
FRLA and UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality are excited to announce the Universal Orlando EPIC Competition – STARTER Edition. A Starter is defined as a soup, salad or appetizer. Starters should contain multiple components and utilize a meat, seafood or alternative protein and should showcase culinary skill, scratch cooking and have an elevated level of execution.
This event will take place in three stages with the winning item placed on the menu in one of Universal Orlando’s properties. The first stage of the event consist of teams submitting their menus and recipes. The top ten entries will then be selected to compete in-person at UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality. The third and final stage of the competition will be the top three teams competing at UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality where the winning item will be selected.
STAGE ONE: All entry paperwork due by October 16, 2026.
STAGE TWO: Top 10 selected teams to Orlando on December 1, 2026.
STAGE THREE: Top 3 selected teams cook and present STARTER in Orlando on February 2, 2027.
You may use any equipment you want as there are no restrictions concerning electric or battery-operated devices. For the in-person stages, we will discuss the equipment provided in the kitchens to ensure teams have everything they need. For the first stage, make sure EVERYTHING is correct in your recipes which includes math, measurements, etc. as the judges will be looking at every detail. For the first stage, these details may determine if you advance to the second stage.
CLICK HERE for complete competition rules.
Recipe, Costing, Menu, Substitute Template
Extreme ProStart Kitchen Makeover
The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association Educational Foundation (FRLAEF) is pleased to announce it will be providing one kitchen remodel grant to a Florida ProStart high school. In order to be eligible for the grant, you must be a Premier ProStart program and teaching the ProStart curriculum during the upcoming 2026-2027 school year.
The FRLAEF is investing $50,000 into one Premier Florida ProStart school to provide much needed funds to renovate a kitchen facility. These funds are for use in a ProStart class only. Use of this funding to enhance programs outside of the ProStart curriculum is prohibited.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: September 25, 2026
GRANT AWARD NOTIFICATION: October 2026
Fresh from Florida – Florida Mangos!
Mango season has arrived! Known for their rich flavor and vibrant color, Florida mangos make it easy to add a touch of tropical sunshine to your late summer and early fall menus. Slice them fresh, blend them into smoothies, or toss them into bright dishes like our Florida Mango Popsicles, or if you are looking for something a little more substantial, try our Island Grilled Florida Pork Tenderloin with Green Mango Chow Chow. Whichever way you mango, their tropical sweetness makes meals feel lighter, happier, and perfect for warm days.
When it comes time to choose your mango, go by feel, not color. Give the mango a gentle squeeze. A ripe mango should have a sim
ilar feel to a ripe peach or avocado and often carries a sweet aroma near the stem. Don’t rely on color alone. Mangos come in many varieties, and their skin can be red, green, or yellow even when perfectly ripe. Look for smooth, plump fruit without wrinkles or soft spots.
Unripe mangos should be kept at room temperature. They’ll continue to soften over several days. Once they’re ripe, move them to the refrigerator to help maintain their sweetness and texture. For best flavor and freshness, enjoy sliced mango within a few days.
Whether you’re mixing up a chilled mango drink or giving your seafood a tropical twist, Florida mangos make every dish a little brighter. Be sure to tag FreshFromFlorida when you share your mango-inspired creations and keep the inspiration going with Florida mango recipes or Florida seafood ideas. Find it all at FreshFromFlorida.com.
NRAEF Data Survey is Open
The Annual NRAEF Data Survey is open. All Florida ProStart instructors were emailed a link to take their survey or a link to register at the site. If you did not receive a link, please email Hayley Klees at hklees@FRLA.org.
Why complete the data survey? Completing the annual survey ensures that your school is considered a confirmed ProStart program for the 2026-27 school year. That means…
- Competition Eligibility: Only confirmed programs can compete on a state and National level.
- Grants: Only confirmed programs are eligible to apply for grants like the Rachael Ray Grow Grant or the grant to attend the NRAEF’s annual ProStart Professional Development course or apply for a Florida ProStart Mini Grant.
- COAs: The Certificate of Achievement portal in MyProStart is only open to educators and students from confirmed ProStart programs.
The survey closes on November 6, but don’t wait! All survey completers will receive $800 in free foodsafety training from the FRLAEF.
Rachael Ray Grant
The Rachael Ray ProStart Grow Grant awards $5000 to schools seeking to establish or strengthen a ProStart program. Eligible applicants must be current ProStart programs or commit to becoming a confirmed ProStart program during the school year. Funding from Rachael Ray Foundation will provide schools the opportunity to upgrade or purchase new resources, build up their classrooms for school, and support teachers with whatever they need to help their students learn career-building skills.
Applications for the 2026 Rachael Ray ProStart Grow Grant are now OPEN and will close on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 11:50 PM ET. We encourage schools to apply early and take advantage of this opportunity to expand high-quality culinary arts and restaurant management education for students.
Note: The NRAEF has transitioned to a new grants management platform. As a result, all applicants must create a new account before accessing and submitting their application.
Access application portal HERE. Good luck!
ProStart Culinary Team Competitions
The 26th Annual ProStart Culinary Team Competitions will take place Saturday, March 6 and Sunday, March 7, 2027, at the Rosen Plaza Hotel in Orlando.
On Saturday, March 6, most of the Culinary Teams and Management Teams will compete along with all Edible Centerpiece teams. On Sunday, March 7 the remaining Culinary and Management teams will compete along with all of the Waiter’s Relay Teams. The competition will be followed by an awards dinner at the Rosen Plaza Hotel.
STIPEND FOR COMPETING SCHOOLS The FRLAEF will provide stipends to offset the cost of participating in the event. The stipend will be $425 per competition with a school receiving a total of $1700 for competing in all four events.
RULES Florida’s Culinary and Management Competitions mirror the national rules. Therefore, we cannot release Florida’s competition rules until the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation releases the national rules. We do know there will be some changes to the competition rules. For teams beginning to think about their Culinary Menu, please know all teams will need to demonstrate a Shallow Pouch as one of their two cooking methods.
HOTEL The Rosen Plaza Hotel will be the host site for the 2026 ProStart Culinary Team Competitions. The room rate at the Rosen Plaza is $175 per night. To reserve hotel rooms contact the Rosen Plaza at 800-627-8258 and reference the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association. The deadline to make hotel reservations is Wednesday, February 3, 2027. Do not wait to book your rooms! You may always adjust your reservation as the event gets closer.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY!
The application deadline is Friday, October 2, 2026. Applicants will be notified their status mid-October.
2026 COMPETITION PHOTOS
2026 COMPETITION VIDEO
Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show
The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show takes place October 25-27, 2026 in Orlando.
PROSTART INSTRUCTORS
ProStart teachers may use the following complimentary code to register for the Show. Complimentary code: ANDREAVIP
Go Here and click on “Start Non-Member Registration”
PROSTART STUDENTS
Up to 10 ProStart students may attend the Show. However, there is a $30 fee per student and the following rules apply.
- Students may register at the rate of $30 per person.
- Each group of 5 students must be accompanied by a faculty member or chaperone (21+), and the group must remain with their chaperone at all times. Any students found unaccompanied on the show floor will be escorted back to the lobby and will have their badge voided with no refund. No more than 10 students will be permitted per school.
- If maximum student allotment is reached, student registration will be closed.
- Discount codes are not valid on Student Admission registrations and students will be required to show their ID to get their name badges.
To register your students, click the link above and enter the code STUDENT26
EDUCATION AT THE SHOW Forty-plus hours of education is included with your Show badge! Take advantage of the free education classes once you are at the Show. The schedule has not been set, but check for updates on THIS PAGE to plan your time at the Show to full advantage.
Hospitality Industry Internships
The Hospitality Industry Internship (HII) provides the opportunity for Florida ProStart & HTM instructors to work in a 
foodservice/lodging establishment for at least 40 hours. Once the required paperwork has been processed, the participant will receive a personal check for $800.
To qualify for an HII, the instructor must teach the ProStart curriculum during the 2026-2027 school year. If you are already employed at a restaurant or hotel, you MAY NOT use that site for your internship. The restaurant/hotel must be a new work experience for you, not somewhere you have worked before or used as an HII internship location.
The applicant must secure a position at a foodservice or lodging facility where a minimum of 40 hours of hands-on experience is guaranteed. The host location may pay the recipient but is not required to do so.
The FRLAEF will award 11 HII’s this school year on a first-come, first-served basis. So apply NOW! Work experience may begin once the applicant receives an award notification from the FRLAEF.
APPLY NOW!
Complimentary Foodsafety Materials (ServSafe and/or SafeStaff)
Each Premier and Full ProStart program is eligible for free ServSafe or SafeStaff materials. Once we receive your ProStart Classification paperwork (i.e.. Premier or Full), you can order up to $350 of complimentary ServSafe/SafeStaff materials through a link we send you.
When you complete the National Restaurant Association Data Survey, you will be sent a link from us to order up to $800 of free foodsafety materials. We will let you know when the survey is available. It has typically gone out in late September/early October and will come from the National Restaurant Association.
Become a Premier ProStart School with Free ProStart Exam Materials
Teachers often ask how they can become Premier ProStart schools when they are doing everything required to be Full ProStart schools. In order to get to Premier, you must have at least one student earn the ProStart Certificate of Achievement (COA). If you have a student already working in the foodservice industry, this could be a pathway to get to Premier status. To earn their COA, students must:
- Work at least 400 hours in the foodservice industry
- Pass both Foundations exams
- Have their manager complete the Work Experience Checklist
For a detailed list and a how-to of these steps click here.
The FRLAEF offers free ProStart exam materials each year to Premier and Full ProStart schools. Once we have received a teacher’s Full Implementation contract you are free to request complimentary scantrons or online codes.
Complimentary ServSuccess Materials
ServSuccess is a stackable foodservice industry credential. The entry level certification is Certified Restaurant Professional (CRP). Individuals must have 400 hours of industry experience along with the ServSafe certification to be eligible to sit for the CRP. No training is required but five modules are offered.
If you would like to take the courses and/or the exam, email Hayley Klees to let her know and she will get you signed up for free!
The link below will provide you with additional information on CRP.
Student Success
Culinary 1 & 2 students at Lake Worth High School made a completely edible Barbie Dreamhouse from fondant and a sturdy sugar cookie (like gingerbread except made with corn syrup). The Dreamhouse weighed about 25 pounds and was built using roughly 20 pounds of flour, 30 cups of sugar, and two pounds of isomalt!
Check out their local news article here!
Scholarships
The FRLAEF will award at least $65,000 in scholarships during the 2026-2027 school year. Each scholarship awarded will be in the amount of $2,000 and will be a one-time, non-renewable scholarship.
To be eligible for this scholarship the applicant must:
- Be enrolled in a ProStart program in a Florida secondary school
- Be a graduating senior who will begin post-secondary education in 2027
- Be entering a culinary or hospitality post-secondary program
- Return a copy of their OFFICIAL high school transcript to FRLAEF by application deadline
APPLICATION TIMELINE The FRLAEF Scholarship application will become available in January NewsBites. The application deadline is April 9, 2027
ProStart Textbooks
A school in the panhandle purchased the 3rd edition of Foundations of Restaurant Management & Culinary Arts. They no longer need their Year 1 and Year 2 textbooks from the previous edition. If anyone would like the old textbooks, please let us know and we will connect you with the instructor.
ProStart Aprons
Each ProStart school will receive 20 aprons for students beginning in October. If you do NOT need aprons, please reach out to us and let us know before September 18.
The FRLAEF will conduct two ProStart Teacher Training events during summer 2027. Training will be held at the St. Thomas University in North Miami, Keiser University Sarasota campus and at UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality in 
Orlando. All events will begin on Tuesday evening and conclude at Friday lunch.
PROGRAM COST
The FRLAEF will cover the cost of all Florida ProStart instructors who will be teaching the ProStart curriculum during the 2026-2027 school year. Attendees will be responsible for their travel and some meals.
SAVE THE DATE
Attendees may choose from one of the trainings below when the registration link becomes available in March NewsBites.
June 7-10, 2027 St. Thomas University, North Miami
June 15-18, 2027 UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality
June 22-25, 2027 Keiser University, Sarasota