Could Your Students Make the Team at Pizza Expo Columbus?
The Pizza Expo is coming to Columbus on October 11–12 & Ohio ProStart has an opportunity for two student teams to work alongside International Pizza Champion Michael LaMarca and the Master Pizza team.
Chef LaMarca is a five-time national pizza competition winner and winner of Hulu’s Best in Dough. His team will prepare and serve pizza to thousands of Expo attendees, giving students a firsthand look at the skill and teamwork it takes to perform at that level.
We’ll select one team of four to five students for each day. If you have students who are ready to jump in, work hard, and represent their school and Ohio ProStart, we want to hear about them!
Email sdelaney@ohiorestaurant.org and tell us why your team should be chosen. What would your students bring to Chef LaMarca’s team?
Leadership Lab Registration is OPEN!
Ohio Hospitality CTSO students from across the state will have the opportunity to participate in leadership experiences as well as hands-on activities during this exciting day of learning at the third annual Ohio Hospitality Leadership Lab presented by Sysco. More details to come! Lunch will be provided. Registration closes Monday, October 12th. REGISTER HERE.
It’s here! It’s here! Competition season is here!
Join us on Tuesday, October 27 at the Delaware County Fairgrounds as we host the Burger Battle, Mocktail Madness, Creative Cakes and Creative Cakes Bakers Edition events.
We’ve added some new elements to the competitions! See the rules to each competition below:
Registration is now open for October 27th! Register Here! Please register as soon as possible so that we ensure we have enough judges and volunteers for this event.
Data Collection- Past Due!
If your school is on this list, you are WAY PAST DUE! The schools below have NOT completed the survey. We will be reaching out to supervisors asking for their assistance to get this completed. Completing this survey is required to remain an active ProStart program and stay on our contact lists. If you run into any issues with it, reach out to sdelaney@ohiorestaurant.org.
As of 9/30/26, the following schools below have NOT completed the survey:
- Columbiana County Career & Technical Center
- C-TEC - Career & Technology Education Center
- Delaware Area Career Center
- Greene County Career Center
- Lancaster High School
- Maritime Academy of Toledo
- Ohio Hi-Point Career Center
- Ohio School for the Deaf
- Pioneer Career & Technology Center
- Portage Lakes Career Center
- Stow-Munroe Falls High School
- Vantage Career Center
- West Shore Career-Technical District (In Progress)
October Office Hours - October 8th 2:30-3:30
- We will be reviewing the Updated Educator Portal beginning at 2:30
- Meeting invites coming next week.
- Reminder -continuing ed hours are given for attending monthly office hours!
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!
Ohio ProStart Invitational Rules Coming November 5!
- There is a new format to the rules as well as updates.
- If you plan on participating in the competition or observing, please complete the form here
- The following schools have already notified us:
- Polaris Career Center
- VSCTC- Sentinel
- Tri-County Career Center
Shout Out Time!
Industry Award Nomination's Now Open!
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
Nominate the ProStart Student of the Year 2026 HERE
Nominate the Educator of the Year 2026 HERE
Ohio Hospitality CTSO Open for Registration!
Sign ups for the Ohio Hospitality CTSO are available! The pricing is remaining at $5 per student for the 2026-2027 school year. Invoices for this will be sent in the Fall. Please take the time to review the Guidebook HERE for refreshers on the program, and begin plans for your students to hold officer elections for Leader, Vice Leader, and Social Ambassador in the fall. Register HERE. Leaders are now PAST DUE! Submit ASAP!
Beef in the Classroom Grant
Program Guidelines
Eligibility: Open to all Ohio teachers who plan to use cuts of beef as part of a classroom lesson.
Funding: Each teacher may receive up to $300 per school year.
Use of Funds: Grant money may be used for beef products and any necessary supplies to complete the lessons. Educators may use a lesson from the Ohio Beef Council website or create their own. Funds may not be used for the purchase of live animals or to provide meals for students (such as banquets, class parties, or awards dinners).
Application: Teachers must complete the online application and submit a lesson plan and budget for approval prior to purchase.
Documentation: After the lesson, recipients will submit documentation, including a brief description of how beef was used in the classroom and copies of receipts. Specific instructions will be sent to recipients who are awarded grant funding.
Timeline: Grant funds must be used by the end of the 2026–2027 school year. (Exceptions may be allowed, but reimbursement will only be made during this school year.)
Limit: One grant per teacher, per school year.
Questions: Please contact Anna Gest, Manager of Nutrition Education Programs.
Ohio Beef - Back to School Teacher Resources Available
From classroom lessons and educational materials to hands-on resources, Ohio Beef has tools to help students explore beef, agriculture, nutrition and careers in the industry. Explore resources and find materials for your classroom at ohiobeef.org/education.
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 20 Ohio Hospitality CTSO Leadership Lab
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
