The mission of the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association Educational Foundation (MRLAEF) is to enhance the hospitality industry’s service to the public through education, community engagement, and promotion of career opportunities. The MRLAEF also prepares high school students for the challenges of a career in restaurants and foodservice through ProStart, a nationwide, two-year high school program that unites the classroom and the industry. ProStart students learn vital kitchen skills, including food safety and knife cuts, and important management lessons, such as menu development and marketing.​