What is ProStart®?
ProStart is an STC program develped by the NRA Educational Foundation. ProStart is designed to introduce juniors and seniors to careers in the foodservice industry. Through classroom activities, internships and comprehensive exams, students have the chance to earn national certification.
School-based Components
ProStart is typically integrated into existing family & consumer science or career and technology education courses. The 2-year course includes classroom study utilizing professionally developed materials. Course materials include textbooks, student workbooks and exercises, videos, transparencies, and hands-on food preparation activities. The entire curriculum meets national skill standards and competencies specific to the hospitality industry and is approved and supported by the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education.
Work-based Components
All ProStart students are encouraged to complete a 400-hour paid, mentored internship and must complete it to earn the national certification. Students will typically work 10-20 hours per week in a variety of positions to develop a wide range of skills. A workplace mentor is assigned to meet with the student for approximately 30 minutes each week to provide on-going performance feedback, to review the ProStart Competency Checklist and to connect classroom learning to actual job responsibilities.
National Certification
The ProStart Certificate is awarded by the Educational Foundation of the NRA based on the student successfully completing both the academic and the work components of the ProStart program. The certificate shows the industry that a student is motivated and interested in success. Certification is a major step that a student takes toward furthering his or her career.
Why Should I Get Involved? There are dozens of reasons to get involved with ProStart:
Industry Owners and Operators
• Access to interested and skilled employees
• Use mentorships to develop current employees as mentors to students
• Reduce turnover by motivating staff to be a part of a community-based project
• Support, mentor training and development provided by the ORA
• Increase community involvement and public relations
Educators
• Easy to use, comprehensive teacher materials
• Support and professional development provided by the ORA and ODCTE
• Develop partnerships with local industry and businesses
• Enhance resource materials through national affiliation
Students
• Experience a fun and interesting class
• Learn critical workplace skills
• Develop a personal career portfolio through completion of course work
• Gain exposure to industry leaders
• Receive a nationally recognized certification
• Increase access to college credit and scholarship opportunities
How Can I Get Involved?
To learn more about the ORA's program or to take advantage of these wonderful benefits, contact Cindi Walls, Manager, Hospitality Career Initiative, at (800) 375-8181 or (405) 942-8181. You can also download a ProStart Membership Application here.
Who in Oklahoma is Involved in ProStart? There are many schools already using ProStart; yours could be next!
• The Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education - Stillwater
• Caddo Kiowa Technology Center - Ft. Cobb
• Douglass High School - Oklahoma City
• Great Plains Tech Center - Lawton
• Indian Capital Technology Center - Muskogee
• Centennial High School - Oklahoma City
• Meridian Technology Center - Stillwater
• Metro Tech/South Bryant - Oklahoma City
• Pioneer Technology Center - Ponca City
• Tulsa Technology Center - Tulsa
• Western Technology Center - Burns Flat
• Autry Technology Center - Enid
• Yukon Public Schools - Yukon
• Geary High School - Geary
• Northeast Technology Center - Pryor
• Northeast Technology Center - Afton
• Byng High School - Byng
• Northwest Classen High School - Oklahoma City
• Kiamichi Technology Center - Poteau
• Nathan Hale High School - Tulsa
• Northwest Technology Center - Fairview
• Ada High School - Ada
• Star Spencer High School - Oklahoma City
