Pizza Expo Success! 🍕
Jefferson County JVS students stepped behind the scenes and onto the competition floor at the Pizza Expo in Columbus! On Monday alone, 160 competitors from across the country brought their best pizza recipes to compete for top honors in their categories.
Students supported competitors and experienced the energy, creativity, and teamwork of a national culinary competition firsthand. What an exciting way to see their classroom skills connect to the industry!
A big thank you to Michael LaMarca, owner of Master Pizza, and the Pizza Expo for making this hands-on opportunity possible for Ohio ProStart students!
Leadership Lab October 20!
We are excited to host the 2026 Leadership Lab on Tuesday! This is a day for building confidence, strengthening leadership skills, and connecting with other hospitality students from across Ohio!
Chapter leaders will also attend a separate session that is a mandatory part of their chapter training. Student attire is professional. No jeans, sweatpants, pajamas.
Last chance to register for Burger Battle, Creative Cakes, and Mockail Madness
Registration closes TOMORROW, Friday 10/16
It’s time for your students to put their skills to the test at Burger Battle, Creative Cakes, and Mocktail Madness! From bold flavors to eye-catching designs, these competitions give students the chance to showcase their creativity, build confidence, and represent your school.
Join us on 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.
Get your teams together and Register Here! Give your students something to work toward—and a chance to show what they can do. Please register as soon as possible so that we ensure we have enough judges and volunteers for this event.
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!
Register Your Ohio Hospitality CTSO Chapter by October 31!
Registration is open for the 2026–2027 school year, and membership remains $5 per student. Invoices will be sent this fall.
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. Register HERE. Registration closes October 31!
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 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
