“Passport to Employment – Connecting to Industry”

For the third annual Hospitality Pathways Conference, the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation will welcome nearly 200 workforce development stakeholders and partners from 35 states, including government officials, industry employers, state restaurant associations (SRAs), community-based organizations (CBOs), justice agencies, and program participants. The jam-packed agenda includes peer-networking opportunities, educational workshops, and interactive sessions to improve program implementation and increase awareness of the wide variety of career pathways in the restaurant and hospitality industry.

This year’s conference will focus on the many connections to industry and employment throughout the pathway of workforce programs. Some of these opportunities and strategies include industry-aligned competencies, workplace experiences, registered apprenticeships programs, scholarships, returning military members, and the roles that industry partners play (mentors, career panels, mock interviews, culinary demonstrations, industry skills tours, and employment).

"Funding Opportunity - Conference Attendance Support for Community-Based Organizations"

Thank you for registering for Hospitality Pathways Conference 2025. We can’t wait to see you in August!

We wanted to make you aware of an opportunity to apply for funds to support a Community-Based Organization(CBO) in bringing a program participant (current or proud alumnus) and staff member to this year’s Hospitality Pathways Conference. This includes travel, lodging, and meals, as well as career pathway-related expenses for the program participant following the conference.

The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) is proud to announce the creation of the Dontavious Drake Hospitality Pathways Grant (also known as the Drake Pathways Grant), a new opportunity dedicated to continuing the incredible work and spirit of Dontavious Drake.

Through the Drake Pathways Grant, three (3) community-based organizations (CBO) will receive a $2,500 grant for use to support the travel costs of sending a program participant and an accompanying CBO case manager employee to attend the Hospitality Pathways Conference in Washington, DC, August 20-22, 2025, and for use with other industry educational, training, work related support and certification opportunities.

Dontavious served as a Workforce Development Manager at the NRAEF, where he devoted his life to uplifting others through the HOPES and Restaurant Ready programs. His passion for empowering individuals, creating job readiness, and building meaningful career pathways in the restaurant and hospitality industry changed countless lives for the better.

Through the Drake Pathways Grant, we honor Dontavious’ remarkable legacy by supporting individuals on their journey toward successful, rewarding careers in our industry and the reclaiming of their future - just as he deeply believed was possible for all.

For full details about eligibility, application, and grant terms, please visit: https://webportalapp.com/webform/drake-pathways-grant