Georgia High Schools Awarded With Rachel Ray ProStart Grow Grant

Georgia High Schools Awarded With Rachel Ray ProStart Grow Grant

Atlanta, GA – The Georgia Restaurant Association (GRA) proudly announces that Meadowcreek High School and Berkmar High School have been selected as recipients of the prestigious Rachael Ray ProStart Grow Grant, a program administered by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF). This recognition highlights the dedication and excellence of these schools in their culinary arts programs.

The ProStart Rachael Ray Grow Grant supports high school culinary and restaurant management programs nationwide, providing vital resources to foster the next generation of culinary professionals. This year, Meadowcreek and Berkmar have distinguished themselves through their commitment to culinary education, innovative teaching methods, and the overall success of their students.

"We are excited to receive the Rachel Ray Grow Grant, so that we may expose our students to experiences beyond their zip code,” says Jay Richardson, Culinary Arts Instructor at Meadowcreek. “We will use the grant to fund field trips, industry seminars, and the tools and resources needed for competition cooking preparation. This grant will definitely make an impact for our program!”

Both Meadowcreek and Berkmar have demonstrated exceptional growth in their culinary arts programs, offering students hands-on learning experiences and valuable industry insights. This grant will allow them to further expand their resources, enhance their facilities, and continue to provide top-notch culinary education.

"Receiving a ProStart grant for chef uniforms would significantly enhance my teaching experience in several ways, according to James Bryant, culinary educator at Berkmar High School, 3x Georgia ProStart Champion instructor, and 2023 ProStart Educator of the Year. “First, it would alleviate financial burdens for both myself and my students. Many students may not have the means to afford quality chef uniforms and providing them through a grant ensures that all students have equal access to essential gear. This inclusivity promotes a supportive learning environment where students can focus on their culinary skills without worrying about financial constraints.” 

Earlier this year, the culinary team from Berkmar and the management team from Meadowcreek brought home the Georgia ProStart Invitational (GPSI) state title, securing vital scholarship funds to support the students as they pursue a post-secondary education in culinary arts. Teams from both schools went on to compete at the National ProStart Invitational (NPSI) in Baltimore, MD in April. 

The GRA extends its heartfelt congratulations to the students, educators, and administrators of Meadowcreek and Berkmar High Schools. We look forward to seeing the continued success and innovation that this grant will bring to their classrooms and the Georgia ProStart Program. 

For more information about the ProStart Rachael Ray Grow Grant and the incredible work being done by Meadowcreek and Berkmar High Schools, please visit National Restaurant Association's website and follow the Georgia Restaurant Association on social media.