Ohio ProStart Invitational Around the Corner!
Waivers for Competitors: If you have not already, please submit the EVENT WAIVER for your competing students. You can check if your students have submitted their waiver at this link. The list was last updated on 2/25. Reach out to Abby (adelriesgo@ohiorestaurant.org) with any questions!
Mac & Cheese Competition LIVE: The top 3 Mac & Cheese teams from our virtual competition will be battling it out live at the Ohio ProStart Invitational. The event will tentatively run from 3:00-4:00 pm. The awards ceremony for all competitions that day will be directly following, with an estimated start time of 4:15 pm. Follow our socials and see who the top 3 competitors will be this Friday!
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.
Are you an excellent teacher? Apply for the Teacher of Excellence Award
The Teacher of Excellence Award Application is now open! The Teacher of Excellence will be honored at the Celebration of the Stars Award Banquet. The deadline to apply is Friday, March 6th. Apply Today HERE!
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
Educator Portal
The new educator Portal password is 2025*ProStart. Let us know if there are additional resources you would like to see.
Ohio Hospitality CTSO
Registration is OPEN: Leadership Lab 2026🚨
Step out of the classroom and into the industry. The Second Annual Ohio Hospitality CTSO Leadership Lab will be held on March 26th, and this is your chance to learn from real hospitality pros, build leadership skills, and connect with students from across the state. Wanna be the Biggest Leader? Check out our TikTok here promoting this awesome event!
💡 Learn.
🤝 Network.
🚀 Lead.
A big thank you to our three schools that have already registered: Jackson High School, Lorain High School, and VSCTC!
This is a required Ohio Hospitality CTSO event—and one you’ll actually want to attend. Registration closes Friday, March 13. Sign up here.
Has your chapter gone above and beyond this year?
If your students have demonstrated outstanding community service, catering experiences, volunteer initiatives, or other impactful leadership efforts beyond standard expectations, we want to recognize them!
Don’t miss the opportunity to apply for CTSO Chapter of the Year. Showcase the meaningful work your students are doing and celebrate their dedication to service and excellence.
📌 Submit why you should win to: info@oraef.org
Submitting your CTSO Chapter Leaders is mandatory. The link to submit is HERE
The following school still needs to submit their student leaders ASAP:
Lancaster
2025-2026 Calendar
If you haven’t seen the calendar yet – click HERE
