1. ProStart® Press Release
CONTACT: Lisa Gilbert
301/840-3967
Lisa_M_Gilbert@mcpsmd.org
Watkins Mill High School ProStart® Program
National management & culinary program blends classroom learning with real life experience
Watkins Mill High School piloted the ProStart program in 2005. ProStart is a two-year high
school restaurant and foodservice management curriculum that blends classroom learning with
mentored work experience. The ProStart curriculum was developed with guidance from
educators and representatives of the restaurant and foodservice industry and is managed
nationally by National Restaurant Association Solutions. The program is currently being
implemented by more than 1,600 schools in 47 states, territories and districts, with
approximately 60,000 students enrolled nationwide.
Foodservice is one of the nation’s fastest-growing industries, currently employing 12.8 million
workers. The industry is expected to add 2 million jobs over the next decade, with 47,000 of
those positions in management.
There is a wealth of diverse opportunities for young people in the restaurant and foodservice
industry. The ProStart program will help us prepare students for those opportunities and
establish a foundation for further learning whether the students immediately pursue foodservice
careers or go on to hospitality management or culinary programs at the college level.
The ProStart program gives high school students the chance to explore career opportunities
and gain the skills needed to operate and manage a foodservice operation by pairing classroom
learning with on-the-job experience. As part of the ProStart program, we will combine academic
classroom work with the opportunity for students to participate in mentored work experiences at
local restaurants. During the mentored work experience, students get hands-on experience in
different areas of the foodservice industry. They work directly with industry professionals who
serve as mentors to make sure the students are getting as much as possible out of the work
experience and have the chance to practice what they learn in the classroom.

2. When students meet academic standards, complete a checklist of competencies, and
participate in at least 400 hours of a mentored work experience, they are awarded the ProStart
National Certificate of Achievement that signifies they are well qualified to enter the industry
workforce. Students who achieve the National Certificate of Achievement have access to
scholarships and articulation agreements with leading colleges and universities.