Student Resources

Why ProStart?

ProStart is a nationwide, two-year program for high school students that develops the best and brightest talent into tomorrow’s industry leaders. From culinary techniques to management skills, ProStart’s industry-driven curriculum provides real-world educational opportunities and builds practical skills and a foundation that will last a lifetime.

By uniting the classroom and industry, ProStart offers students a platform to discover new interests and talents and opens doors for fulfilling careers. It happens through a curriculum that teaches all facets of the restaurant and foodservice industry, inspires students to succeed and sets a high standard of excellence for students and the industry.

​With national and local support from industry members, educators, the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation and state restaurant associations, ProStart reaches students in 49 states.

---

ProStart Certificate of Achievement

What is it?
The ProStart 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 you a leg up in your job search, and opens the door to collegiate opportunities. ​

Why do I need it?

1. Scholarships - Students who earn the COA are eligible to compete for scholarships on the state and national level. During the 2018/19 school year, the PRLAEF awarded a record $40,000+ to Pennsylvania students enrolled in a post-secondary hospitality or culinary arts program. The NRAEF awards over $1 million in foodservice-related scholarships each year.
2. College credits - More than 46 of the country’s leading hospitality & culinary arts colleges and universities offer course credits to students who have earned the ProStart COA. Download the National ProStart Collegiate Passport to learn more about these benefits. 
3. Industry Connections - Employers will know that you are serious about the restaurant industry, which means better jobs with better pay. Plus, you’ll have established connections with chefs and foodservice professionals here in Pennsylvania.

​
​How do I earn it?
To earn the ProStart National Certificate of Achievement, students must complete the two-year ProStart program, pass two national exams, demonstrate mastery of foundational skills and work 400 mentored hours.

Click above to view the ProStart Passport

---

Certificate of Achievement Paperwork

7 Steps to the COA
File Size:	1967 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

---

School Restaurant/ Catering Hours Log
File Size:	86 kb
File Type:	xls

Download File

---

Student Employment Agreement
File Size:	81 kb
File Type:	doc

Download File

---

Work Experience Checklist
File Size:	444 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

---

2019/20 Workplace Validation Form
File Size:	101 kb
File Type:	doc

Download File

---

Personal Folder Checklist
File Size:	80 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

---

---

Pennsylvania ProStart Articulated Colleges & Scholarships

ProStart students can now earn between 3-8 credits toward their college degree at Pennsylvania College of Technology, while in high school. View page 38 of the ProStart Passport for more information.

---

CINY and Monroe College’s School of Hospitality Management offer partial scholarships for qualifying ProStart students working toward an Associate degree in Culinary Arts, Baking & Pastry, or Hospitality Management, followed by a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management. Visit their site for more info.

---

The American Academy of Culinary Arts at Pittsburgh Technical College is proud to offer partial credits and scholarships to ProStart COA-holders credits towards their degree or certificate. View pages 5 and 50 of the ProStart Passport for more information. 

---

Additional Resources

PA Industry Stats
File Size:	159 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

---

PA ProStart Year in Review 2018/19
File Size:	1349 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

---

Industry Career Ladder
File Size:	1266 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

---

ProStart Sponsorships
File Size:	1090 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

---

Parents Flyer
File Size:	368 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

---

---

Career Options in Hospitality

Culinary Career Profiles: Opportunities abound in the restaurant and foodservice industry! Explore our Career Profiles below to learn more about the wide variety of career options that exist in Pennsylvania and across the globe.

---