New Jersey Restaurant Educational Foundation
Building the Future of New Jersey Hospitality
Supporting education, workforce development and career opportunities for the next generation of restaurant and hospitality leaders.
GET INVOLVED SUPPORT NJREFInvesting in Hospitality's Next Generation
The New Jersey Restaurant Educational Foundation is the philanthropic foundation of the New Jersey Restaurant & Hospitality Association. NJREF connects students, educators and hospitality professionals through hands-on education, scholarships, mentorship and career opportunities that strengthen the future of New Jersey's hospitality industry.
Creating Opportunities Through Hospitality
ProStart
ProStart is a nationally recognized two-year high school program that brings the restaurant industry directly into the classroom. Students learn culinary techniques, restaurant management, teamwork and the professional skills needed to succeed in hospitality.
Through NJREF, students and educators gain access to industry professionals, mentors, scholarships, work-based learning experiences and connections to career opportunities throughout New Jersey.
LEARN ABOUT PROSTART
New Jersey ProStart Student Invitational
Each year, ProStart students from across New Jersey put their culinary and restaurant management skills to the test in a high-energy statewide competition. Students compete for scholarships, recognition and the opportunity to represent New Jersey at the National ProStart Invitational.
NJREF Scholarships
NJREF scholarships help support students pursuing education and careers in culinary arts, hospitality management and related fields.
Chairman's Culinary Arts Scholarship
Supporting students pursuing culinary arts education and careers.
Deborah Dowdell Industry Leaders Scholarship
Helping develop the next generation of restaurant and hospitality industry leaders.
The 2026–2027 application period has closed. Details for the next scholarship cycle will be posted when available.
Setting the Table for Success
Thursday, October 15, 2026
5:30–7:30 p.m.
NJRHA Hospitality House
126 West State Street
Trenton, NJ 08608
Join us for an intimate dinner supporting New Jersey ProStart students and the future of our hospitality workforce. Limited seating is available and the minimum donation is $100.
EVENT DETAILS & REGISTRATIONProStart Golf Classic
The annual NJREF ProStart Golf Classic brings together members of New Jersey's restaurant and hospitality industry while raising funds to support local ProStart students.
Thank You, New Jersey ProStart Educators
The success of ProStart starts in the classroom. We are proud to support the educators who introduce students to the opportunities available throughout the restaurant and hospitality industry.
Help Build the Future of Hospitality
Volunteer, mentor a student, support an NJREF program or attend a Foundation event. Your involvement helps create meaningful opportunities for New Jersey's future hospitality professionals.
GET INVOLVED CONTACT NJREFThe New Jersey Restaurant Educational Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions may be tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.