Are you Ready for Burger Battle, Creative Cakes, and Mockail Madness?
Bring your winning recipes & join us Tuesday, October 27 at the Delaware County Fairgrounds.
We’ve added some new elements to the competitions! See the rules to each competition below:
The templates for the competition are in the educator portal.
If your student's have not filled out the events waiver, make sure they do so HERE.
Schedules & Team numbers will be emailed Friday.
Grow Your Leadership with the Lead4Change Fellowship!
Do you believe in the power of student leadership? The 2027 Lead4Change Fellowship offers middle and high school educators a year of leadership growth, professional development, and meaningful connections.
Fellows receive a three-day, all-expenses-paid retreat in Nashville, professional development credit, quarterly virtual cohort meetings, access to a network of fellow changemakers, and $500 to support their classroom or club.
If you’ve taught Lead4Change in your classroom or club and want to grow as a mentor and leader, consider applying! Applications close October 30, 2026. Apply HERE.
Leadership Lab – Success!
Chapter members and chapter leaders spent an exciting day learning, mingling, and preparing to have the best Ohio Hospitality CTSO chapters. This is a day for building confidence, strengthening leadership skills, and connecting with other hospitality students from across Ohio!
School Visits on the Way!
Sonya is hitting the road in November and would love to visit your classroom! These visits are a chance to connect with you and your students, see what’s cooking, and hear how we can better support your ProStart program.
Have a student project you want to show off, questions about upcoming opportunities, or resources you need? Let’s talk!
She’ll be reaching out to schedule visits, but you’re welcome to email her at sdelaney@ohiorestaurant.org to get yours on the calendar. Looking forward to seeing your students in action!
Classroom visits are a requirement for the ProStart program.
Last Chance to Nominate an Educator or ProStart Student of the Year!
Do you know an educator who goes above and beyond for their culinary and hospitality students? Or a ProStart student whose talent, leadership, and passion are taking them places? Help us give them the recognition they deserve! It’s that time of year to nominate an Outstanding Ohio Educator and ProStart Student! We will be celebrating our winners this year at the 2026 Industry Awards
Winners will be honored at our annual Industry Awards on December 8.
Nominate the ProStart Student of the Year 2026 HERE
Nominate the Educator of the Year 2026 HERE
Nominations close soon—nominate an outstanding educator or student today!
CTSO Chapter Updates!
Chapter leader submissions were due September 30. If you haven’t submitted your Leader, Vice Leader, and Social Ambassador, please do so as soon as possible.
Please take the time to review the Guidebook HERE for refreshers on the program. Invoives for the program will be sent soon!
JumpStart Your Students’ Hospitality Careers!
Take your students’ learning beyond the classroom! Applications are now open for the 2027 ProStart JumpStart Grant, offering one ProStart school the opportunity to bring up to 12 students and three chaperones to the National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago. Students will explore industry innovations, connect with professionals, and discover exciting career pathways.
The grant covers select travel, lodging, and participation costs, with an additional stipend to help offset expenses. Applications close November 13, 2026!
Ready to open new doors for your students? Learn more and apply HERE!
Take Your Students to the 2027 National Restaurant Association Show!
Applications are now open for the High School Visitation Program at the 2027 National Restaurant Association Show, taking place May 22-25, 2027, at McCormick Place in Chicago.
This unique opportunity allows culinary and hospitality students to explore 2,200+ exhibitors, attend chef demonstrations, connect with colleges and industry leaders, and experience the future of foodservice firsthand.
Students and chaperones receive a special discounted rate of just $40 per person. Applications are due October 30, 2026, though schools may be accepted later as space allows. Interested schools applying after the deadline should contact Deryn Fink (Deryn.Fink@informa.com) to confirm availability.
Watch the 2026 recap video and encourage your educators to apply today!
Educator Portal
There is a new educator portal password. Please reach out to info@oraef.org for access. Let us know if there are resources you would like to see.
2026-2027 Calendar
2026
October 27 Burger Battle, Creative Cakes, Mocktail Madness
2027
March 9 Ohio ProStart Invitational
Virtual events coming soon!
Pre-apprenticeship Program
Students can earn their COA (Certificate of Achievement) and Pre- Apprenticeship designation. Both are work-based learning opportunities. A COA earns 9 points toward graduation, and Pre-Apprenticeship earns 12. The process is simple, with just a few forms to complete each month.
Email info@oraef.org with any questions.
This is a great opportunity for your students! We currently have 3 schools enrolled: Tri-County, Ohio Valley, and Stow Munroe. Please register your students so we can submit to the state of Ohio!
Click HERE to view the Pre-Apprenticeship Guidelines & Click HERE for the Pre-Apprenticeship Application. Are you interested in bringing pre apprenticeship to your school next year? Email Abby Del Riesgo adelriesgo@ohiorestaurant.org
