ProStart® is a nationwide, two-year program for high school students that develops the best and brightest talent into tomorrow’s industry leaders. From culinary techniques to management skills, ProStart’s industry-driven curriculum provides real-world educational opportunities and builds practical skills and a foundation that will last a lifetime.
By bringing together the industry and the classroom, ProStart gives students a platform to discover new interests and talents to open doors for fulfilling careers. It happens through a curriculum that includes all facets of the industry, and sets a high standard of excellence for students and the industry.
Students who have completed the requirements of the ProStart program are awarded an industry-recognized certificate – the ProStart National Certificate of Achievement (COA). The COA is awarded to students who complete both levels of the program, pass the exams, and document at least 400 hours of work experience, through which they have demonstrated 52 of 75 workplace competencies. Students who receive the COA are eligible for National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation scholarship opportunities and course credits at more than 60 of the country’s leading hospitality and culinary arts colleges and universities. In addition, the ProStart Passport Program works with colleges and universities across the country to develop articulation agreements for students who earn the Certificate of Achievement. Please view the National ProStart Collegiate Passport for details and participating institutions. – This is on the site as a download. Not sure how you can connect to that, but including in the email.
Annual ProStart Events
ProStart brings culinary and management education to life through hands-on, high-energy events. Students kick off the year at the Big Crab Cook Off, sharpen their skills at ProStart Boot Camp, and take on Seasonal Challenges that inspire innovation. Excitement peaks at the NH ProStart State Invitational, where top teams earn the chance to represent New Hampshire at the National ProStart Invitational in Baltimore, competing against the best in the country.
New Hampshire ProStart Schools
Concord Regional Technical Center, Concord
Dover Regional Career Technical Center, Dover
J. Olivia Huot Technical Center, Laconia
Manchester School of Technology, Manchester
Milford High School & Applied Technology Center, Milford
Mount Washington Valley Career & Technical Center, North Conway
North Point CTE, Colebrook
Pinkerton Academy, Derry
Plymouth Applied Technology Center, Plymouth
Portsmouth High School, Portsmouth
Richard W. Creteau Regional Technology Center, Rochester
Salem High School Career & Technical Education Center, Salem
Seacoast School of Technology, Exeter
Somersworth Career Technical Center, Somersworth
U.S. Department of Justice, Berlin
White Mountains Regional High School, Whitefield
2026 New Hampshire ProStart® Teacher of the Year
2026 CTE Unsung Hero Award Recipient
Chef Keith Desjardin of Pinkerton Academy
Chef Keith Desjardin of Pinkerton Academy has been recognized as the New Hampshire ProStart Educator of the Year, honoring a decade of dedication to culinary education and student success.
Chef Desjardin, who has been teaching ProStart for 10 years, received a monetary award along with an invitation to attend the New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association’s annual Stars of the Industry dinner. The recognition highlights his commitment not only to culinary instruction but also to fostering a supportive and inspiring classroom environment.
In a heartfelt gesture, Chef Desjardin’s students presented him with a framed collection of handwritten notes expressing their appreciation. Their words reflect the profound impact he has had on their lives both inside and outside the kitchen.
"Chef goes above and beyond to create a positive classroom where every one of his students feels included and motivated to participate. He constantly seeks student input on activities to ensure everyone’s excitement. His creative teaching methods allow for growth in knowledge and confidence."
Others highlighted his attentiveness and compassion.
Deborah Weymouth of R.W. Creteau Technology Center
Deborah Weymouth (pictured left) from R.W.Creteau Technology Center received the CTE Unsung Hero Award at the New Hampshire Excellence in Education Awards (NH EDies) this June.
Deb has been a cornerstone of the Restaurant Program, contributing more than 15 years of consistent service and leadership. Throughout her tenure, she has supported hundreds of students through daily instruction, hands-on learning experiences, and program events.
She exemplifies what it means to go above and beyond in support of student success and program excellence. Her unwavering dedication is evident in her willingness to work until the job is done, ensuring that daily operations, special events, and student learning experiences consistently meet the highest standards.
"Many students will say that she is their school 'Gram.' She works hard to make the physical space warm and inviting. Students often call our classroom their 'home.' She is a large reason for that. Her laughter is inviting and can be heard out in the hall. Her smile is contagious. She makes kids feel safe and loved. She is the reason that some students come to school. She has a way of sensing a hungry kid with no money, and she feeds them. She cares for us all. She is the kindest person I know."
-Mrs. Garay, Restaurant Management Teacher, R.W.Creteau Technology Center
Chef Keith Desjardin
Pinkerton Academy
"Chef is everyone’s favorite teacher—past students find excuses to come and visit all the time. He shows up to every graduation to say goodbye, and continues to stay in touch with past students’ culinary journeys. He more than deserves to be the teacher of the year."
“Even in a class full of fifteen students, he finds a way to make sure everyone is seen and heard,” another student wrote. “He can tell when someone is upset and always asks to make sure they’re okay because he genuinely cares about the answer.”
Through his passion, creativity, and genuine care for his students, Chef Desjardin exemplifies what it means to be an outstanding educator, leaving a lasting impression on every student he teaches.
Debora Weymouth
CTE educator at R.W Creteau Technology
The CTE Unsung Hero Award recognizes individuals in the Career & Technical Education community who go above and beyond to support and advance CTE programs and students.
AFTER PROSTART®
"One of the reasons I wanted to get into this industry is because of that satisfaction you get from helping other people."
Dominic Berry ProStart® Alumnus,
White Mountains Regional High School