Educational Foundation
Building the next generation of hospitality.
The FRLA Educational Foundation supports sound educational experiences that prepare students for dynamic, rewarding hospitality careers — in classrooms and kitchens across Florida.
Our mission
From the classroom to a career
The FRLA Educational Foundation supports sound educational experiences that prepare students for dynamic, rewarding hospitality careers – in high school classrooms. This is accomplished by supporting the ProStart and HTM programs. ProStart prepares students for careers in the foodservice industry while HTM prepares students for careers in the lodging industry.
- 250+
- Participating Florida schools
- 50,000+
- Students enrolled
- $2.3 million
- In 2026 scholarships and grants
Programs
How we build the workforce
Four programs that meet students where they are — and move them forward.
ProStart
A two-year, school-to-career program that teaches culinary and management skills to high school students through industry-developed curriculum and mentorship.
Learn moreHospitality & Tourism Management (HTM)
A comprehensive curriculum preparing students for lodging and tourism careers through classroom instruction and hands-on experience.
Learn moreServSafe®
Industry-standard food-safety certification, delivered in partnership with schools to give students a credential employers recognize.
Learn moreScholarships
Financial support that helps hospitality students continue their education and step into the industry's future leadership.
Learn moreGet involved
Invest in Florida's hospitality future
Your support funds curriculum, competitions, classroom grants, and scholarships statewide. Operators can mentor, host, hire, or give — every contribution builds the pipeline your business depends on.
Contact
Contact the Educational Foundation
Staff
- Laura Rumer, Director
- Hayley Klees, Manager
Mailing address
FRLAEFP.O. Box 1779
Tallahassee, FL 32302
Street address
FRLAEF230 S. Adams Street
Tallahassee, FL 32301
Phone and fax numbers
- 866-288-8820 (toll free)
- 850-224-2250
- 850-224-2871 (fax)
- ProStart links
- chooserestaurants.org/programs/prostartTwitterFacebook
- Lodging Management Program / Hospitality & Tourism Management links
- www.ahlei.orgTwitterFacebook
The next great hospitality career starts here.
Help FRLA turn students into the industry's future — as a member, mentor, or donor.
Join FRLA today