ProStart
What is ProStart?
Nevada ProStart is a two-year, industry-driven culinary and restaurant management program that gives high school students real-world experience, professional skills, and a clear path into the hospitality industry.
But more than that - it is where students find out if they actually belong in it.
Through classroom instruction, hands-on training, and mentored work experience, students do not just learn concepts. They step into the reality of the work: teamwork, pressure, standards, and execution.
ProStart is more than a class - it is a career pathway built to reflect the real industry. Students complete:
- 350+ hours of classroom and lab-based instruction
- 400 hours of mentored industry experience
- Two national certification exams
Upon completion, they earn the ProStart National Certificate of Achievement - an industry-recognized credential that signals they are not starting from zero.
ProStart
Why ProStart Matters
Hospitality is one of Nevada's most important industries - and its future depends on people who are actually prepared for it.
ProStart bridges the gap between interest and readiness. It gives students a place to:
- Experience the work before committing to it
- Build real, usable skills
- Connect with industry professionals
- See a path forward that feels tangible
Nevada Program Overview (2026)
21
High Schools Participating
4,636
Students Enrolled
565
Currently Working in Industry
23
Certified Educators
50+
Industry Mentors
What Students Learn
Students build a foundation in both culinary and restaurant management, including:
- Culinary techniques and kitchen operations
- Baking and pastry fundamentals
- Food safety and sanitation
- Menu development and costing
- Restaurant operations and management
But beyond that, they learn how to function in a professional environment - how to communicate, adapt, and take ownership of their work.
Real-World Experience
ProStart is designed to feel real because it is. Students:
- Work in kitchens, not just classrooms
- Learn from chefs, operators, and industry mentors
- Gain experience through jobs and internships
- Step into environments where standards actually matter
For many students, it is the first time something clicks.
Competition
Nevada ProStart Invitational
The Nevada ProStart Invitational is the state's premier high school culinary and restaurant management competition.
Students compete under professional conditions: tight timelines, high expectations, and no shortcuts.
2026 Champions
- Culinary Champion:Â Rancho High School
- Management Champion:Â Southwest Career & Technical Academy - Kat's Garden
Winning teams advance to the National ProStart Invitational, representing Nevada on a national stage.
Competition
2026 National ProStart Invitational
Nevada was proudly represented at the 2026 National ProStart Invitational, where students competed against top programs from across the country and showcased the strength of our state’s culinary and hospitality education.
Southwest Career and Technical Academy delivered an outstanding performance in the Management Competition, placing 12th out of 48 teams nationwide. The team—Kaitlyn Swain, Addison Marsh, and Terence Yeung—demonstrated creativity, professionalism, and a strong command of concept development and operations under the guidance of their instructor, Kimberly Bakke.
Rancho High School represented Nevada in the Culinary Competition, placing 45th overall. Students Ashton Osbahr, Danielle Nelson, Nayeli Olvera Guerrero, Jose Meija, and Khalil Kirby competed with focus and determination under the leadership of instructors Joshua Mayorga and Christina Sargent, gaining valuable experience on the national stage.
Participation at NPSI is about more than placement—it’s about growth, exposure, and stepping into the industry at a national level. These students represented Nevada with pride and professionalism, continuing to elevate what ProStart in our state can achieve.
Teacher Professional Development
Strong programs start with strong educators. Nevada ProStart supports teachers with ongoing professional development designed to keep classrooms aligned with the realities of today's hospitality industry.
Educators gain access to:
- Industry-led training and workshops
- Curriculum support and teaching resources
- Certification guidance and continuing education
- A statewide network of ProStart instructors
For many teachers, ProStart becomes more than a curriculum - it becomes a community of professionals committed to raising the standard of hospitality education.
Industry Mentorship
ProStart works because the industry shows up. Mentorship is where the program comes to life - when students move beyond the classroom and start learning directly from the people doing the work every day.
Industry professionals can get involved by:
- Visiting classrooms for demos and guest instruction
- Mentoring students and advising educators
- Coaching competition teams
- Offering internships or job opportunities
For students, these moments are often the turning point - where the industry stops feeling distant and starts feeling real.
Competition
Nevada ProStart Invitational
Nevada ProStart is supported by leading industry partners. These partners do not just support the program - they engage directly with students through mentorship, competition, and career opportunities.
Sysco
PepsiCo
Nicholas & Company
Chef Works
Caesars Entertainment
Bar Boheme
Chefs for Kids
ACF
Women in Hospitality Initiative
Where Students Go Next
ProStart students graduate with direction and options. They go on to:
- Culinary and hospitality degree programs
- Entry-level and management-track positions
- Apprenticeships and training programs
Some discover exactly what they want to do. Others discover what they do not. Both are valuable - and both move them forward.
Career Pathways
Through the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation's Restaurants Work initiative, students can explore real career paths across the industry:
- Culinary and kitchen operations
- Restaurant and hospitality management
- Baking and pastry
- Food and beverage service
- Supply chain and support roles
Each pathway outlines potential roles, required skills, and opportunities for advancement.
Get Involved
Become an Educator
Bring ProStart to your school and give students a real pathway into hospitality.
Sponsor a School
Mentor students, judge competitions, or partner with classrooms.
Hire a ProStart Graduate
Help expand opportunities for students across Nevada.
Build the Future of Our Industry
ProStart prepares the next generation of hospitality talent. Support the
program through sponsorship, mentorship, or hiring graduates.