Spring has Sprung!

A Message From Our Executive Director, Patty Halper

It has been an absolute honor and privilege to serve as the Hospitality Institute of Ohio/Ohio ProStart Executive Director. Working alongside such passionate and dedicated culinary educators has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. Every day, you bring skill, heart, and purpose to your work by shaping young lives and preparing them for meaningful careers in hospitality.

It is amazing how quickly twelve years have flown by. I am incredibly proud of all that we have accomplished together—from implementing Ohio ProStart exams in lieu of WebXams, to establishing Ohio Hospitality CTSO, to earning recognition as a Pre-Apprenticeship program.

While this transition is bittersweet, I retire with full confidence knowing that you are in very capable hands. The strength, talent, and dedication of the Hospitality Ohio team will continue to carry the organization forward with passion, excellence, and integrity.

Thank you for your support, your partnership, and the countless memorable moments we have shared. I will always carry this experience close to my heart and am deeply appreciative of each of you. Wishing you continued success in the classroom!

I retire on March 31st. The ORHA is conducting a process to identify the next leader of the Hospitality Institute of Ohio. In the interim, Ohio ProStart operations will continue to be supported by its current staff which includes Sonya Delaney and Abby Del Riesgo.

NATIONAL CHAMPIONS!

The Ohio School for the Deaf hosted the National Deaf Culinary Bowl on Saturday, March 21. Not only were they the hosts but they came away with their second national championship! Congratulations to Chef Tamara and her students!

Check out some of the entries! You can check out the recording of their competition HERE

Amazing Hosts!

South-Western Career Academy hosted the Ohio Restaurant & Hospitality Alliance Board Meeting in their event space on Tuesday, March 24. Our board members were not only impressed by the exceptional breakfast and lunch prepared and served by our students, but also inspired by the talent and dedication they represent—the future of our industry.

Thank you, South-Western Career Academy for hosting us! We are proud of your ProStart program!

Ecolab Bites & Beats Opportunity for Students Registered for the 2026 Ohio ProStart Invitational

What is Bites and Beats, you say? An exclusive opportunity for ProStart students who competed at their state invitationals to enter into a video contest to attend the National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago, May 16 - 18, 2026. Students will showcase a signature menu item from their unique food truck concept at a VIP music event on Sunday, May 17th. The Bites and Beats submission site closes on March 28, 2026, at 11:59 pm ET. Want to learn more? Click HERE.

NEW: The 2026 ProStart Passport is Here!

The 2026 ProStart Passport is now available for ProStart students nationwide. The Passport includes information about post-secondary schools that offer college credit and/or scholarships to ProStart students who have earned the ProStart National Certificate of Achievement (COA). The updated Passport can be found here.

We are excited to announce three new partnerships:

August Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Johnson & Wales University

Unity Environmental University

Why it Matters

The ProStart Passport offers students a clear outline of where they can take the skills they gained in ProStart and apply them to the next step in solidifying their career pathway.

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