In a city like New Orleans, a city heralded for its cuisine and culinary arts, it can be hard to stand out in the crowd of world-class chefs, career waiters, and internationally renowned restaurants. That’s where ProStart comes in. ProStart is a nationwide, two-year program for high school students designed to give them an edge as they transition into the culinary field. Here in New Orleans, the program is overseen by the Louisiana Restaurant Association. Learn more about ProStart and how it could help supercharge students’ careers in hospitality and tourism!
Students learn important elements of the foodservice industry during ProStart. (Photo via the Louisiana Restaurant Association website)
Uniting Industry and Classroom
Designed as an elective track in traditional high schools, career and technical centers, and vocational high schools, ProStart offers invaluable experience that transcends the classroom. It’s truly a “talent pipeline for careers,” as the ProStart website states, that equips students with skills in culinary techniques, strategic business management, customer service, nutrition, sanitation, and overall workforce readiness. ProStart emphasizes work-based learning through internships in all types of restaurant settings, from a traditional restaurant to airline cuisine, catering, community service food programs, and more.
ServSafe Certification
One of the biggest components of ProStart is ServSafe certification, which students receive as they work through the program. ServSafe is a nationwide food safety and responsibility program that gives participants an understanding on basic food safety practices, food allergen training, foodborne illnesses, responsible alcohol service, and more. ServSafe is an excellent addition to one’s resume as they pursue a career in food service.
Where to Find Local ProStart Programs
Edna Karr High School in New Orleans is the closest ProStart location in the city, however, there are several nearby ProStart programs in the greater New Orleans area.
About LRA
Louisiana Restaurant Association, or LRA, serves its members by advancing and protecting those who work in restaurants and within the foodservice industry in Louisiana. The LRA has advocated for those working in foodservice since 1946, now celebrating its 70th anniversary.