What is Oklahoma ProStart®?
Oklahoma ProStart® is a school-to-career program developed by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF). Oklahoma 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
Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma 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.

Oklahoma ProStart® Student Invitational
The ProStart® Student Invitational competition will showcase the culinary and academic talents of more than 200 ProStart® students from high schools and technology centers across the state. The highlight of the Student Invitational is students participating in a team competition-style format in both the culinary and management competition. The winning teams from each competition will be awarded gold, silver, and bronze medals and scholarships to pursue post-secondary education. The winning high school teams in the culinary and management competition will represent Oklahoma at the national competition in Washington, DC in May. Industry professionals are also involved as team coaches and judges during the event.  All contributions are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Any ProStart® student interested in competing should contact their high school or technology center instructor for more details. 

Why Should I Get Involved?
There are dozens of reasons to get involved with Oklahoma 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

Who's Involved in Oklahoma ProStart®?
There are many Oklahoma schools already using ProStart®; yours could be next!

• Caddo Kiowa Technology Center
• Edmond Memorial High School
• Edmond North High School
• Edmond Santa Fe High School
• Francis Tuttle Technology Center
•  Great Plans Technology Center
• John Marshall High School
• Indian Capital Technology Center
• Kiamichi Technology Center
• Meridian Technology Center
• Metro Technology Center
• Nathan Hale High School
• Northwest Classen High School
• Northeast Technology Center, Afton
• Northeast Technology Center, Pryor
• Northwest Technology Center, Fairview
• Pioneer Technology Center
• Star Spencer High School
• Tulsa Technology Center
• Western Technology Center

How Can I Get Involved?
Incorporating ProStart® into your school is a simple process, beginning with the school purchase of ProStart® textbooks. Once the ProStart® curriculum is introduced in the classroom, teachers and students will receive support from ORA, including connecting the school to an industry mentor, providing scholarship opportunities, hosting the state competition, and offering professional development opportunities to educators. There is no annual fee or financial obligation. The level of support ORA offers a school depends on how active the school is in the ProStart® program. To learn more about the ORA's program or to take advantage of these wonderful benefits, contact Roberta Helsley at (405) 942-8181 or via email at roberta@okrestaurants.com.
 

Thank You to Our

Oklahoma ProStart Partners

 

ProStart RESTART 2022
Partner in the Classroom Ambassador
Partner in the Classroom Supporter