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
Meet Our New HampshireProStart® Teacher of the Year 2026
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.
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.
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