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ProStart

Overview

ProStart is a nationwide, two-year high school culinary arts and restaurant management program that unites the classroom and industry to develop the best and brightest talent into tomorrow’s restaurant and foodservice leaders.

By bringing together the industry and the classroom, ProStart gives students a platform to discover new interests and talents to open doors for fulfilling careers. It happens through a curriculum that includes all facets of the industry, and sets a high standard of excellence for students and the industry.

We’re Going To Nationals!

The Arizona State ProStart Invitational, brought to you by Habit Burger,  showcases the brightest high school talents from across the state through culinary arts and restaurant management competitions. Among the participating schools, Apollo High School, Flagstaff High School, Kingman High School, and St. Johns High School stood out with their remarkable presentations and culinary skills. These institutions are part of the expansive ProStart program, which engages over 165 thousand students across more than 1,800 schools in the United States, including territories like Guam and Washington, D.C., in a comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare them for successful careers in the restaurant and foodservice industry.

Kingman High School emerged victorious in the culinary category, while Apollo High School was ranked #1 in restaurant management. The students from these winning teams were awarded a package of $10,000 in institutional scholarships, a $100 Amazon Gift Card, and an opportunity to compete at the National ProStart Invitational. This year’s national competition is scheduled to take place from May 2-4, 2025, in Baltimore, MD, with high schools from all 50 states plus U.S. territories expected to participate, showcasing the wide-reaching influence and prestige of the ProStart program.

ProStart’s blend of classroom learning and real-world experience under the mentorship of industry professionals offers students unparalleled exposure to the culinary and management aspects of the restaurant business. The program not only equips students with essential skills but also connects them with career opportunities within the industry, fostering the next generation of culinary and restaurant management leaders. As these students progress, their achievements, such as those witnessed in the ProStart competition, underscore the program’s vital role in developing the skill sets and professionalism required to excel in the dynamic and ever-evolving restaurant and foodservice industry.

Pictured: Apollo High School winning the restaurant management category
Pictured: Kingman High School winning the culinary category

Participating Schools

Apollo High School

Barry Goldwater High School

East Valley Institute of Technology

Flagstaff High School

Globe High School

Kingman High School

Sahuarita High School

South Mountain High School

St. John’s High School

Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor

We’re happy to feature a photo wall at our event, made by Showtime Photo Booth. Since 2013, they have been providing photo booths for events big and small, corporate and private, with over 27 different photo booth options to choose from. They are the leading photo booth rental company in Philadelphia, New York, and Denver.