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Louisiana ProStart Students Win Trip to NRA Show
May 19, 2025
Big dreams are heating up in the kitchen for ProStart students from W.D. & Mary Baker Smith Career Center in Lafayette! The Louisiana Restaurant Association is thrilled to share that this talented group was selected for the first-ever JumpStart Initiative by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF).
From May 17-20, the students traveled to Chicago to attend the National Restaurant Association Show, the largest gathering of foodservice professionals in the world. The all-expenses-paid trip gave them front-row access to cutting-edge restaurant trends, hands-on experiences, and face-to-face time with industry icons like Chef Carla Hall.
Launched in 2024 by Freddy’s co-founder and former NRA Chair Scott Redler, JumpStart was designed to elevate the classroom-to-career connection for ProStart students across the country.
“It’s really fulfilling for me to see my students grow into entrepreneurs and find their purpose through ProStart,” said educator Kandice Dequeant. “Winning this national grant and taking them to the NRA Show was an incredible honor.”
In Louisiana, 65 high schools offer the ProStart program to 2,400 juniors and seniors, equipping them with real-world culinary and restaurant management skills.
“Opportunities like JumpStart show students what’s possible in our industry,” said Stan Harris, President & CEO of the LRA and Past Chair of the NRAEF. “We’re proud to see our Louisiana students at the forefront.”
The future of the hospitality industry is in good hands—and they’re wearing chef coats.