LRA Education Foundation Seeks Mentors for PROSTART Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Erica R. Papillion
Director of Communications
(504) 454-2277, ext. 569
www.LRA.org

LRA EDUCATION FOUNDATION SEEKS MENTORS FOR PROSTART^® PROGRAM

Metairie, LA— The Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation (LRAEF), participating Louisiana ProStart^® high schools and students are actively seeking mentors in the foodservice industry to share their experiences and what it takes to have a meaningful career.

Mentors can be owners, managers, supervisors, chefs, vendors and others. LRA members and foodservice professionals in Louisiana have valuable knowledge of what it takes to run a successful restaurant in their communities. Their experience with customer service, management, marketing, preparing and serving food is sought after by the students who participate in the ProStart program.

The LRAEF administers ProStart in Louisiana, which is a two-year restaurant management and culinary arts program in 50 high schools across our state that introduces juniors and seniors to the restaurant industry. By bringing industry and the classroom together, ProStart gives students a platform to discover new interests and talents, and opens doors for fulfilling careers. It all happens through a curriculum that teaches all facets of the restaurant and foodservice industry, inspires students to succeed and sets a high standard of excellence for our students and the industry.

Would you consider being a ProStart mentor? Below are activities you can take part in upon agreeing to help:

· Discuss topics or provide hands-on demonstrations in your area of expertise to students during their ProStart class at least three times a semester.

• Consider hiring qualified students to fill open positions as part of their work internship requirement.
• Help a ProStart team prepare for the ProStart Student Competition held each Spring.
• Share with your LRA Chapter updates on your mentored school activities.

Your participation will further the education of the students and also help us tell the stories of the opportunities that exist within Louisiana’s world-renowned foodservice industry.

Please contact LRAEF ProStart Coordinator James Blanchard for more information, jamesb@lra.org, or (504) 454-2277.

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ProStart is a two-year, culinary management program for high school juniors and seniors with a curriculum designed to teach students culinary techniques as well as restaurant management skills. ProStart is in 50 high schools statewide and nearly 1,300 students participate in the program.

ProStart is a registered trademark of the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation.

The Louisiana Restaurant Association is one of the largest business organizations in the state, representing restaurant operations and related businesses. The restaurant industry in Louisiana is the state’s largest private employer with nearly 200,000 employed. Restaurants in Louisiana are expected to generate sales of $6.2 billion in 2011.