Hospitality Minnesota Education Foundation

Building the workforce of the future by
preparing the next generation of hospitality leaders.

Grants available for ProStart and HTMP

The Department of Employment and Economic Development funds are available through the Hospitality Minnesota Education Foundation (HMEF) to pay for curriculum, teacher training, ServSafe certification, travel and food costs, and other materials for these successful national programs. As CTE programs, districts are also eligible for 35% reimbursement of program costs.

Learn more

Impacting students' lives, developing our future workforce

For youth passionate about connection, community and shared experiences, there is no better time to begin a career in hospitality. 1-in-3 Americans do.

Our industry faces structural workforce shortages. This means challenges for businesses and opportunities for workers. Right now, the sky's the limit for youth planning and starting their careers now.

The Hospitality Minnesota Education Foundation (HMEF) offers two career-building programs – ProStart and the Hospitality and Tourism Management Program – in nearly 100 high schools across Minnesota.

We don't stop there.

Since 2008, we've awarded more than $832,000 in Scholarships to 345 students pursuing post-secondary education for careers in culinary, lodging, tourism and hospitality management.

Meet our staff and board

ProStart Alum Joshua Walbolt | 2019 Rising Star Chef Award; 2018 Rising Star Chef Nominee ; San Pellegrino Young Chef Nominee 2016; Owner @lovemorefood.

Investing in the hospitality industry of the future

The Hospitality Minnesota Education Foundation is funded through the generous support of individuals and businesses. Your support allows us to expand programming to more schools, provide material support to educators and students, and award scholarships for post-secondary education leading to careers in the hospitality industry.

Ways to give

Past HMEF Scholarship Recipients

Scholarship information

Teaching the ProStart curriculum has allowed me to share with the students the wonderful opportunities afforded them on the Hospitality Career Pathway. ProStart gives students so many incredible opportunities that are real life skills for the world of work.

Mary Levinski | ProStart Educator | Sauk Rapids Rice High School

Bring programs to your school

Mingle and taste the creations of Minnesota’s Stars of the Future! On Sunday, April 24, student teams will pair with mentor chefs to showcase their culinary and event coordination talent. Don't miss this fun, delicious event to benefit our ProStart and Hospitality Tourism Management Programs.

Sunday, April 24 | 3:00-5:00 p.m.
Bunker Hills Event Center | Coon Rapids MN