ProStart is a two-year, industry-backed culinary arts and restaurant management program for high school students. The program reaches approximately 145,000 students in nearly 1,800 schools in all 50 states, Washington, DC, and the Territory of Guam.
ProStart is taught with a two-level curriculum that:
- Integrates practical skill sets
- Allows students to become familiar with restaurants and foodservice
- Exposes students to innovative career opportunities
- Provides tools and skills needed to become a successful industry leader
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.
Work and Learn
While classroom experience is necessary to learn the foundational culinary and management skills, nothing beats real-life experience gained by working in the industry. ProStart students learn how to be an industry professional through hands-on work under the direction of a mentor. Mentors help students make the connection between their present performance and their future career. Students also learn the importance of arriving on time prepared for work, teamwork and accountability.
Do you have a passion for cooking? Ever wondered what it takes to operate a restaurant or ever dreamed of owning your own? Then ProStart® is the program for you!
Career Options in Hospitality
The hospitality industry is looking for the best young people to be its next stars. Both nationwide and in Delaware, hospitality jobs represent almost 10% of all employment. Hospitality jobs exist in every state, region and type of community. Within the hospitality industry employees can stay close to home or move to other parts of the world. Salaries start with entry-level, hourly wages and can go to seven figures. Many of the businesses offer the same health and vacation benefits as large corporations, in addition to reduced rates on accommodations and food. Check out our DRA Live Job Board for open positions in Delaware: https://www.
Colleges and Universities
There are a number of colleges and universities that work closely with the ProStart® program. Numerous colleges offer benefits for students who have completed their National Certificate of Achievement to make college more affordable.
To view the colleges and universities involved, click https://nra-my.