What is ProStart?

ProStart is a two-year high school program that introduces students to culinary arts and restaurant management. Classroom learning, hands-on practice and industry experience help students explore hospitality careers.

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ProStart in action

Student teamwork, cooking and plated creations from the Arkansas ProStart Competition. Swipe or scroll, then select a photo to see it full size.

Students prepare ingredients during the ProStart culinary competition · 1 of 10

A student cooks at the competition workstation · 2 of 10

A three-course presentation prepared by student competitors · 3 of 10

Students plate dishes for the culinary judges · 4 of 10

Student teams prepare their entries · 5 of 10

A plated student competition dish · 6 of 10

Culinary teamwork in the competition kitchen · 7 of 10

Students at their competition workstation · 8 of 10

A finished dish from the culinary competition · 9 of 10

A student-prepared competition entrée · 10 of 10

Where ProStart can take you

Earn a national credential

Students can earn the ProStart National Certificate of Achievement by passing two national exams, demonstrating core skills and completing 400 mentored work hours.

Explore national student resources →

Continue your education

Explore hospitality scholarships for college, culinary education and industry training through the Arkansas Tourism & Hospitality Education Foundation.

Find scholarship opportunities →

Put your skills to the test

Student teams compete in culinary and restaurant management challenges at the Arkansas ProStart Competition.

February 17, 2027 · National Park College, Hot Springs

Competition details & student results

Bring ProStart to your school

Connect with Renee Smith to discuss the curriculum, getting started and opportunities to connect students with hospitality employers.

Talk with Renee about ProStart

Renee Smith · AHA Education
[email protected] · (501) 318-8801

Want to mentor students or welcome a class to your business? Explore employer partnerships →