http://www.hospitalityohio.org/blog/rss/feedsSat, 13 Jun 2026 11:35:40 -0700http://www.hospitalityohio.org/blog/post/last-newsletter-of-the-school-yearhttp://www.hospitalityohio.org/blog/post/last-newsletter-of-the-school-yearOhio ProStart and Ohio Hospitality CTSO 2026-2027 Calendars Dates 2026 September 25 Teacher Institute 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! Final Reminders Monthly updates will be coming throughout the summer. If you would like us to use a different email for summer communications, email Sonya - sdelaney@ohiorestaurant.org Intent to compete forms are HERE. Any questions? Send them to Sonya (sdelaney@ohiorestaurant.org). Rachael Ray Foundation ProStart Grow Grant application is coming in August! Funding from Rachael Ray Foundation ProStart Grow Grant provides schools the opportunity to upgrade or purchase new resources, build up their classrooms in preparation for return to school, and support teachers with whatever they need to help their students learn career-building skills. We will keep you posted when the application officially opens! Normandy High School and Ohio Valley Career Center both received $5000 in the fall of 2025! Show your students the limitless opportunities available in the Hospitality Industry! RestaurantsWork does just that! Students can search by position and see the growth available. They can also search by zip code to see how many opportunities are available where they live. Check it out here! Teacher Institute - Friday, September 25 Mark your calendars – Teacher Institute is being held September 25 at Zink Foodservice in Columbus. Registration is open! Sign up HERE. Please take the survey HERE to let us know what topics you want to go over at Teacher Institute in the fall. It’s COA Time! We will accept COA paperwork through June 30. TWO WEEKS before you test, please have your students log into their accounts to confirm they have access. If they have completed a level one exam, be sure they can see their results If your student has never tested, have them create an account. Use the directions found in the Educator Portal HERE If your student cannot access their account, send an email ASAP to info@oraef.orgIf you are a multiple educator school, send us the names and email addresses of all the students that will be testing so that we can merge their accounts If you still have questions reach out to info@oraef.org ASAP. COA'S MUST BE RECIEVED BEFORE JUNE 30TH TO BE PROCESSED FOR THE 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR. See the following letter from our CEO John Barker, supporting ProStart students being recognized for the COA achievement here. COA resources are in the Educator Portal 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. Want to Get Ahead for Next School Year? Sign ups for the Ohio Hospitality CTSO are now 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 ellections for Leader, Vice Leader, and Social Ambassador in the fall. Register 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. Are you interested in bringing pre apprenticeship to your school next year? Email Abby Del Riesgo adelriesgo@ohiorestaurant.org Educator Portal The new educator Portal password is 2025*ProStart. Let us know if there are additional resources you would like to see. 2025-2026 Calendar If you haven’t seen the calendar yet – click HERE Facebook Instagram LinkedIn TiktokWed, 27 May 2026 21:15:00 -0700http://www.hospitalityohio.org/blog/post/diving-into-summerhttp://www.hospitalityohio.org/blog/post/diving-into-summer Next week is our last newsletter! Monthly updates will be coming throughout the summer. If you would like us to use a different email for summer communications, email Sonya - sdelaney@ohiorestaurant.org Rachael Ray Foundation ProStart Grow Grant application is coming in August! Funding from Rachael Ray Foundation ProStart Grow Grant provides schools the opportunity to upgrade or purchase new resources, build up their classrooms in preparation for return to school, and support teachers with whatever they need to help their students learn career-building skills. We will keep you posted when the application officially opens! Normandy High School and Ohio Valley Career Center both received $5000 in the fall of 2025! Honor Cords If you need honor cords for your 2026 graduates, please reach out to Abby at adelriesgo@ohiorestaurant.org. They will be mailed to you. Please include your school’s graduation date in the email to ensure they arrive on time. See the following letter from our CEO John Barker, supporting ProStart students being recognized for the COA achievement here. Show your students the limitless opportunites avaiable in the Hospitliaty Industry! RestaurantsWork does just that! Students can search by position and see the growth available. They can also search by zip code to see how many opportunities are available where they live. Check it out here! Teacher Institute - Friday, September 25 Mark your calendars – Teacher Institute is being held September 25 at Zink Foodservice in Columbus. Registration is open! Sign up HERE. Please take the survey HERE to let us know what topics you want to go over at Teacher Institute in the fall. Attention Educators Intent to compete forms are HERE. Any questions? Send them to Sonya (sdelaney@ohiorestaurant.org). It’s COA Time! We will accept COA paperwork through June 30. TWO WEEKS before you test, please have your students log into their accounts to confirm they have access. If they have completed a level one exam, be sure they can see their results If your student has never tested, have them create an account. Use the directions found in the Educator Portal HERE If your student cannot access their account, send an email ASAP to info@oraef.orgIf you are a multiple educator school, send us the names and email addresses of all the students that will be testing so that we can merge their accounts If you still have questions reach out to info@oraef.org ASAP. COA'S MUST BE RECIEVED BEFORE JUNE 30TH TO BE PROCESSED FOR THE 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR. COA resources are in the Educator Portal 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. Want to Get Ahead for Next School Year? Sign ups for the Ohio Hospitality CTSO are now 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 ellections for Leader, Vice Leader, and Social Ambassador in the fall. Register HERE. Ohio ProStart and Ohio Hospitality CTSO 2026-2027 Calendars 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 Educator Portal The new educator Portal password is 2025*ProStart. Let us know if there are additional resources you would like to see. 2025-2026 Calendar If you haven’t seen the calendar yet – click HERE Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Tiktok Wed, 20 May 2026 21:15:00 -0700http://www.hospitalityohio.org/blog/post/office-hours-tomorrowhttp://www.hospitalityohio.org/blog/post/office-hours-tomorrow Celebration of the Stars We honored the following students at the Celebration of the Stars Scholarship Luncheon: Serenity Tackett (VSCTC), Jovey Seville (VSCTC), Mareli Cruz (South-Western), and Violet Lowe (Penta). We also celebrated our Ohio ProStart Teacher of the Year, Tamera Bernett Penny, and the Ohio School for the Deaf on their win at the Deaf Culinary Bowl. Congratulations and best wishes! May Office Hours Tomorrow! May Office Hours will be held on Thursday, May 14, from 2:30-3:00. Please send Sonya (sdelaney@ohiorestaurant.org) your topics. Remember – CEUs are given for attendance. Honor Cords If you need honor cords for your 2026 graduates, please reach out to Abby at adelriesgo@ohiorestaurant.org. They will be mailed to you. Please include your school’s graduation date in the email to ensure they arrive on time. Teacher Institute - Friday, September 25 Mark your calendars – Teacher Institute is being held September 25 at Zink Foodservice in Columbus. Registration is open! Sign up HERE. Please take the survey HERE to let us know what topics you want to go over at Teacher Institute in the fall. Attention Educators Intent to compete forms are HERE. Any questions? Send them to Sonya (sdelaney@ohiorestaurant.org). It’s COA Time! We will accept COA paperwork through June 30. TWO WEEKS before you test, please have your students log into their accounts to confirm they have access. If they have completed a level one exam, be sure they can see their results If your student has never tested, have them create an account. Use the directions found in the Educator Portal HERE If your student cannot access their account, send an email ASAP to info@oraef.orgIf you are a multiple educator school, send us the names and email addresses of all the students that will be testing so that we can merge their accounts As of Friday, May 8th, we have received paperwork from the following schools: Apollo Columbiana County Columbus Downtown Jefferson County JVS McKinley High School Ponitz VSCTC-Sentinel If you still have questions reach out to info@oraef.org ASAP. COA'S MUST BE RECIEVED BEFORE JUNE 30TH TO BE PROCESSED FOR THE 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR. COA resources are in the Educator Portal 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. Want to Get Ahead for Next School Year? Sign ups for the Ohio Hospitality CTSO are now 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 ellections for Leader, Vice Leader, and Social Ambassador in the fall. Register HERE. Ohio ProStart and Ohio Hospitality CTSO 2026-2027 Calendars 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 Educator Portal The new educator Portal password is 2025*ProStart. Let us know if there are additional resources you would like to see. 2025-2026 Calendar If you haven’t seen the calendar yet – click HERE Facebook Instagram LinkedIn TiktokThu, 14 May 2026 03:24:00 -0700http://www.hospitalityohio.org/blog/post/countdown-to-summer-is-onhttp://www.hospitalityohio.org/blog/post/countdown-to-summer-is-on May Office Hours May Office Hours will be held Thursday, May 14 from 2:30-3:00. Please send Sonya (sdelaney@ohiorestaurant.org) your topics. Remember – CEUs are given for attendance. Attention Educators Intent to compete forms will be sent to all schools next week in the April recap. Be on the lookout for the email from Sonya (sdelaney@ohiorestaurant.org). Honor Cords If you need honor cords for your 2026 graduates, please reach out to Abby at adelriesgo@ohiorestaurant.org. They will be mailed to you. Please include your school’s graduation date in the email to ensure they arrive on time. Teacher Institute - Friday, September 25 Mark your calendars – Teacher Institute is being held September 25 at Zink Foodservice in Columbus. Registration is open! Sign up HERE. Please take the survey HERE to let us know what topics you want to go over at Teacher Institute in the fall. It’s COA Time! We will accept COA paperwork through June 30. TWO WEEKS before you test, please have your students log into their accounts to confirm they have access. If they have completed a level one exam, be sure they can see their results If your student has never tested, have them create an account. Use the directions found in the Educator Portal HERE If your student cannot access their account – send an email ASAP to info@oraef.orgIf you are a multiple educator school, send us the names and email addresses of all the students that will be testing so that we can merge their accounts If you still have questions reach out to info@oraef.org ASAP. COA'S MUST BE RECIEVED BEFORE JUNE 30TH TO BE PROCESSED FOR THE 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR. COA resources are in the Educator Portal 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. Want to Get Ahead for Next School Year? Sign ups for the Ohio Hospitality CTSO are now 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 ellections for Leader, Vice Leader, and Social Ambassador in the fall. Register HERE. Coming soon! 2026-27 ProStart Fee invoices in the mail next week! Ohio ProStart and Ohio Hospitality CTSO 2026-2027 Calendars 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 Educator Portal The new educator Portal password is 2025*ProStart. Let us know if there are additional resources you would like to see. 2025-2026 Calendar If you haven’t seen the calendar yet – click HERE Facebook Instagram LinkedIn TiktokWed, 06 May 2026 21:15:00 -0700http://www.hospitalityohio.org/blog/post/big-win-at-npsihttp://www.hospitalityohio.org/blog/post/big-win-at-npsi Ohio Made NPSI Podium! This past weekend our top two Ohio ProStart Invitational Schools: Polaris Career Center and Penta Career Center competed at the National ProStart Competition in Baltimore! A big Congrats to Polaris Career Center, the Ohio Culinary team for placing Third at the National Competition! Both Ohio teams should be very proud of what they accomplished at the National Level! Teacher Institute - Friday, September 25 Mark your calendars – Teacher Institute is being held September 25 at Zink Foodservice in Columbus. Registration is open! Sign up HERE. Please take the survey HERE to let us know what topics you want to go over at Teacher Institute in the fall. It’s COA Time! We will accept COA paperwork through June 30. TWO WEEKS before you test, please have your students log into their accounts to confirm they have access. If they have completed a level one exam, be sure they can see their results If your student has never tested, have them create an account. Use the directions found in the Educator Portal HERE If your student cannot access their account – send an email ASAP to info@oraef.org If you are a multiple educator school, send us the names and email addresses of all the students that will be testing so that we can merge their accounts If you still have questions reach out to info@oraef.org ASAP. COA'S MUST BE RECIEVED BEFORE JUNE 30TH TO BE PROCESSED FOR THE 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR. COA resources are in the Educator Portal HERE Good Deed of the Day We are putting together something for Patty's retirement. Please submit a video message or a written message to info@oraef.org. Thank her for her years of service, her words of wisdom, or how much she will be missed. We need all submissions by TODAY April 30th. We will be sharing this at the Celebration of the Stars event on May 5th. Honor Cords If you need honor cords for your 2026 graduates, please reach out to Abby at adelriesgo@ohiorestaurant.org. They will be mailed to you. Please include your school’s graduation date in the email to ensure they arrive on time. 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. Ohio ProStart and Ohio Hospitality CTSO 2026-2027 Calendars 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 Educator Portal The new educator Portal password is 2025*ProStart. Let us know if there are additional resources you would like to see. 2025-2026 Calendar If you haven’t seen the calendar yet – click HERE Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Tiktok Wed, 29 Apr 2026 21:15:00 -0700http://www.hospitalityohio.org/blog/post/npsi-this-weekendhttp://www.hospitalityohio.org/blog/post/npsi-this-weekend Tune In to NPSI! See the top two Ohio Teams compete live at the National ProStart Invitational. We will be live streaming THIS WEEKEND on Facebook Saturday April 25th for Management at 10:25am-11:40am and Sunday April 26th for Culinary at 7:45 am-10:50am. Watch the Live Stream HERE. Note: If you try to contact anyone at the NRA, responses will be heavily delayed due to NPSI. Teacher Institute - Friday, September 25 Mark your calendars – Teacher Institute is being held September 25 at Zink Foodservice in Columbus. Registration is open! Sign up HERE. Please take the survey HERE to let us know what topics you want to go over at Teacher Institute in the fall. Dine to Donate! Do you want to help support the Hospitality Institute of Ohio? Head over to Brewfontaine on Tuesday April 28th, 10% of all purchases will go to our program! Visit the Restaurant at 211 S. Main St. Bellfontaine OH 43311 the fundraiser will run 11am-10pm. It’s COA Time! We will accept COA paperwork through June 30. TWO WEEKS before you test, please have your students log into their accounts to confirm they have access. If they have completed a level one exam, be sure they can see their results If your student has never tested, have them create an account. Use the directions found in the Educator Portal HERE If your student cannot access their account – send an email ASAP to info@oraef.org If you are a multiple educator school, send us the names and email addresses of all the students that will be testing so that we can merge their accounts If you still have questions reach out to info@oraef.org ASAP. COA'S MUST BE RECIEVED BEFORE JUNE 30TH TO BE PROCESSED FOR THE 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR. COA resources are in the Educator Portal HERE Good Deed of the Day We are putting together something for Patty's retirement. Please submit a video message or a written message to info@oraef.org. Thank her for her years of service, her words of wisdom, or how much she will be missed. We need all submissions by April 30th. We will be sharing this at the Celebration of the Stars event on May 5th. Honor Cords If you need honor cords for your 2026 graduates, please reach out to Abby at adelriesgo@ohiorestaurant.org. They will be mailed to you. Please include your school’s graduation date in the email to ensure they arrive on time. 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. Ohio ProStart and Ohio Hospitality CTSO 2026-2027 Calendars 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 Educator Portal The new educator Portal password is 2025*ProStart. Let us know if there are additional resources you would like to see. 2025-2026 Calendar If you haven’t seen the calendar yet – click HERE Facebook Instagram LinkedIn TiktokWed, 22 Apr 2026 21:15:00 -0700http://www.hospitalityohio.org/blog/post/register-for-teacher-institutehttp://www.hospitalityohio.org/blog/post/register-for-teacher-instituteTeacher Institute - Friday, September 25 Mark your calendars – Teacher Institute is being held September 25 at Zink Foodservice in Columbus. Registration is open! Sign up HERE. It’s COA Time! We will accept COA paperwork through June 30. TWO WEEKS before you test, please have your students log into their accounts to confirm they have access. If they have completed a level one exam, be sure they can see their results If your student has never tested, have them create an account. Use the directions found in the Educator Portal HERE If your student cannot access their account – send an email ASAP to info@oraef.org If you are a multiple educator school, send us the names and email addresses of all the students that will be testing so that we can merge their accounts If you still have questions reach out to info@oraef.org ASAP. COA'S MUST BE RECIEVED BEFORE JUNE 30TH TO BE PROCESSED FOR THE 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR. COA resources are in the Educator Portal HERE Tune In to NPSI! See the top two Ohio Teams compete live at the National ProStart Invitational. We will be live streaming on Facebook Saturday April 25th for Management at 10:25am-11:40am and Sunday April 26th for Culinary at 7:45 am-10:50am. Watch the Live Stream HERE. Good Deed of the Day We are putting together something for Patty's retirement. Please submit a video message or a written message to info@oraef.org. Thank her for her years of service, her words of wisdom, or how much she will be missed. We need all submissions by April 30th. We will be sharing this at the Celebration of the Stars event on May 5th. Honor Cords If you need honor cords for your 2026 graduates, please reach out to Abby at adelriesgo@ohiorestaurant.org. They will be mailed to you. Please include your school’s graduation date in the email to ensure they arrive on time. Award Winners! Tri-County Career Center has been named Ohio’s Hospitality CTSO Chapter of the Year! From jumping into events to completing impactful service projects, their energy and commitment to executing a successful Ohio Hospitality CTSO chapter is impressive! Join us in congratulating them on a successful year! Scholarship Winners have been notified. Congrats to the students at the following schools: Sentinel Career Center & South Western Career Academy. They will be celebrated on May 5th at Celebration of the Stars. We are proud to celebrate Chef Tamara Penny of the Ohio School for the Deaf as the 2026 Teacher of Excellence Award winner. In just five years, Chef Tamara has built an outstanding program from the ground up, transforming it into a thriving and impactful experience for her students. She leads a student-run coffee shop and has guided her culinary teams to back-to-back victories at the Deaf Culinary Bowl—remarkable achievements that speak to her leadership and dedication. Even more impressive is the environment she creates every day—one where students feel seen, supported, and empowered to be themselves. Please join us in congratulating Chef Tamara on this well-deserved recognition! 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. Ohio ProStart and Ohio Hospitality CTSO 2026-2027 Calendars 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 Educator Portal The new educator Portal password is 2025*ProStart. Let us know if there are additional resources you would like to see. 2025-2026 Calendar If you haven’t seen the calendar yet – click HERE Facebook Instagram LinkedIn TiktokWed, 15 Apr 2026 21:15:00 -0700http://www.hospitalityohio.org/blog/post/now-accepting-coas-through-june-30thhttp://www.hospitalityohio.org/blog/post/now-accepting-coas-through-june-30thIt’s COA Time! We will accept COA paperwork through June 30. TWO WEEKS before you test, please have your students log into their accounts to confirm they have access. If they have completed a level one exam, be sure they can see their results If your student has never tested, have them create an account. Use the directions found in the Educator Portal HERE If your student cannot access their account – send an email ASAP to info@oraef.org If you are a multiple educator school, send us the names and email addresses of all the students that will be testing so that we can merge their accounts If you still have questions reach out to info@oraef.org ASAP. COA'S MUST BE RECIEVED BEFORE JUNE 30TH TO BE PROCESSED FOR THE 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR. COA resources are in the Educator Portal HERE Honor Cords If you need honor cords for your 2026 graduates, please reach out to Abby at adelriesgo@ohiorestaurant.org. They will be mailed to you. Please include your school’s graduation date in the email to ensure they arrive on time. If you didn't see last week... 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! 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. We would like to celebrate Patty’s amazing work, and we know she would love to hear from each of you! I am working on a compilation of well wishes - please feel free to send an email or create a video message and email it to me at sdelaney@ohiorestaurant.org. Save the Date! Teacher Institute – Friday, September 25 Mark your calendars – Teacher Institute is being held September 25 at Zink Foodservice in Columbus. Registration is open! Sign up HERE. Award Winners! Tri-County Career Center has been named Ohio’s Hospitality CTSO Chapter of the Year! From jumping into events to completing impactful service projects, their energy and commitment to executing a successful Ohio Hospitality CTSO chapter is impressive! Join us in congratulating them on a successful year! Scholarship Winners have been notified, and will be celebrated on May 5th at Celebration of the Stars. We are proud to celebrate Chef Tamara Penny of the Ohio School for the Deaf as the 2026 Teacher of Excellence Award winner. In just five years, Chef Tamara has built an outstanding program from the ground up, transforming it into a thriving and impactful experience for her students. She leads a student-run coffee shop and has guided her culinary teams to back-to-back victories at the Deaf Culinary Bowl—remarkable achievements that speak to her leadership and dedication. Even more impressive is the environment she creates every day—one where students feel seen, supported, and empowered to be themselves. Please join us in congratulating Chef Tamara on this well-deserved recognition! 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. Ohio ProStart and Ohio Hospitality CTSO 2026-2027 Calendars 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 Educator Portal The new educator Portal password is 2025*ProStart. Let us know if there are additional resources you would like to see. 2025-2026 Calendar If you haven’t seen the calendar yet – click HERE Facebook Instagram LinkedIn TiktokWed, 08 Apr 2026 21:15:00 -0700http://www.hospitalityohio.org/blog/post/hello-aprilhttp://www.hospitalityohio.org/blog/post/hello-aprilBurger Battle Champions at the Ohio Beef Council As part of thier first-place win in the Fall Burger Battle, our champion team got the chance to bring thier award-winning burger to life in the Ohio Beef Council Kitchen. Take a look at thier video HERE- they might just be on thier way to fame! If you didn't see last week... 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! 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. We would like to celebrate Patty’s amazing work, and we know she would love to hear from each of you! I am working on a compilation of well wishes - please feel free to send an email or create a video message and email it to me at sdelaney@ohiorestaurant.org. April Office Hours – Today! – Shortened Time April Office Hours will be held Today, Thursday, April 2 from 2:30-3:00. Please send Sonya (sdelaney@ohiorestaurant.org) your topics. Remember – CEUs are given for attendance. Teams Invite with agenda was sent yesterday. Leadership Lab – Success We are proud of our students from the following schools that attended the Leadership Lab on March 26 – Columbus Downtown High School, Jackson High School, Jefferson County JVS, Lorain High School, Sentinel Career & Technology Center, Tri-County Career Center. We had great speakers from Cameron Mitchell, Bears Bagels and delicious ice cream donated by Young’s Jersey Dairy. Teambuilding activities and headshots were also part of the day. Headshots will be sent to the partisipating schools soon. Leadership Lab is a requirement for all CTSO chapters. Leadership Lab is moving to the fall of 2026. Details are coming soon. Save the Date! Teacher Institute – Friday, September 25 Mark your calendars – Teacher Institute is being held September 25 at Zink Foodservice in Columbus. Registratoin opens next week! Award Winners Coming Soon! We have received your Teacher of Excellence nominations, CTSO Chapter of the Year nominations, and student scholarship applications. Winners will be announced soon! Ohio ProStart and Ohio Hospitality CTSO 2026-2027 Calendars Coming soon! 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 Educator Portal The new educator Portal password is 2025*ProStart. Let us know if there are additional resources you would like to see. 2025-2026 Calendar If you haven’t seen the calendar yet – click HERE Facebook Instagram LinkedIn TiktokWed, 01 Apr 2026 21:15:00 -0700http://www.hospitalityohio.org/blog/post/spring-has-sprunghttp://www.hospitalityohio.org/blog/post/spring-has-sprungA 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 Educator Portal The new educator Portal password is 2025*ProStart. Let us know if there are additional resources you would like to see. 2025-2026 Calendar If you haven’t seen the calendar yet – click HERE Facebook Instagram LinkedIn TiktokWed, 25 Mar 2026 21:15:00 -0700