Pennsylvania ProStart
ProStart® is a two-level, industry-backed culinary arts and restaurant management program for high school students. The curriculum is developed and supported by the National Restaurant Association.
An Industry-Driven Program to Develop Industry Leaders
ProStart students finish the program ready to join the workforce and make an immediate impact in restaurants and foodservice. ProStart students are closely connected to industry experts through guest speakers, class mentors, tours of local facilities, hosting student competitions, and more – all to ensure real-world experience is brought directly to the classroom.
About the ProStart Program
What is ProStart?
ProStart® is a two-year, industry-backed culinary arts and restaurant management program for high school students that reaches 222,000 students in 2,200 schools across all 50 states including, Washington, D.C., and the Territories of Guam and Puerto Rico.
The program provides practical skills and real-world educational opportunities to open doors for fulfilling careers in the restaurant and foodservice industry.
ProStart Curriculum
ProStart Invitational
Each winter, the Pennsylvania ProStart Invitational is held in State College. The competition gives students real-world experience and tests their skills and knowledge in both culinary arts and restaurant management. The first-place teams in each division move on to represent Pennsylvania at the National ProStart Invitational held in Washington D.C. each spring. They will compete for scholarships to the country’s top post-secondary culinary arts and hospitality programs and bragging rights!
ProStart Certificate of Achievement
ProStart’s National Certificate of Achievement (COA) is an industry-recognized certificate awarded to students who have completed the requirements of the ProStart program. Earning the COA can give students a leg up in employment search and opens the door to collegiate opportunities. Students must complete the program, pass two national exams and complete 400 hours of mentored work experience to earn the certificate. HOW TO EARN THE PROSTART COA
Students
Your future in hospitality starts here. Find more information on earning your ProStart COA, scholarships, job opportunities, and more.
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Educators
ProStart educators help build the future leaders of the restaurant and foodservice industry.
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Industry
Choose to be a key player in the future of this industry, where you can inspire young people, offer avenues for advancement, and tell the world about the endless opportunities available in the restaurant industry.
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ProStart Invitational
The annual Pennsylvania ProStart Invitational challenges students from across Pennsylvania to put their skills to the test in culinary arts, restaurant management, and cake decorating competitions, in hopes of moving on to the nationals in Washington D.C.
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Thank you PA ProStart program sponsors:
Curtze
Marriott
Penn State
Hershey
Wingstop
Ecolab
Gordon
Primanti
Sysco
Westmoreland
Pepsi
Membership Has Benefits
Resources for Hospitality Businesses, Vendors, Sponsors, Students. Membership is for Everyone!
