Registrations for our Virtual Gingerbread Bash Competition Are Now Open - and it's FREE!
Wind down before the holiday with this fun and simple competition. Create any structure out of your homemade gingerbread recipe. Submissions will be accepted beginning December 1st and your students have until December 24th to get them in. All needed competition documents (rules, score sheets, example recipie) are available via the Educator Portal. Register HERE.
Burger Battle, Creative Cakes, Mocktail Madness Scoresheets and Teacher Institute CEU Certificates on the way!
Our team has been out of the office quite a bit making visits and hosting events. We will have these items out to you by the end of November.
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.
Cast Your Vote and Help Celebrate Ohio's Hospitality Industry!
The Ohio Restaurant & Hospitality Alliance's Industry Awards celebrate the people, teams and businesses raising the bar for hospitality across our state. Now it's time to help recognize excellence.
Cast your vote HERE for this year's finalists and celebrate the people behind great hospitality in Ohio. Voting closes November 13
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. We are working on invoices, and they will be sent soon. Just a reminder that membership remains $5 per student.
Please take the time to review the Guidebook HERE for refreshers on the program.
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!
Ohio ProStart Invitational Rules Coming Next Week!
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
Virtual Gingerbread Bash
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
