ProStart | NHLRAEF

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.

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 Hampshire

ProStart® Teacher of the Year

2024-2025

Margaret Forêt from the Seacoast School of Technology

During the 2024-2025 school year, Margaret has exemplified outstanding dedication to the ProStart program, seamlessly integrating real-world culinary experiences with the ProStart curriculum to enhance student learning and engagement.

Margaret’s commitment to hands-on education is evident in her extensive community involvement, all of which align directly with the ProStart curriculum. This year, she and her students hosted a distinguished dinner for the Greater Federation of Women’s Clubs, reinforcing essential culinary skills such as menu planning, execution, and
service—key components of the ProStart framework. Additionally, she is leading her students in hosting Leadership Seacoast in March, allowing them to develop proficiency in large-scale event coordination, teamwork, and professional kitchen operations, further strengthening their industry readiness.

A highlight of Margaret’s contributions this year is the weekly bread initiative, where students produce artisan bread using their made-in-class sourdough starter and distribute it to local restaurants. This project not only cultivates advanced baking techniques and time management skills but also fosters meaningful partnerships with
the local food industry, mirroring ProStart’s focus on real-world culinary applications.

Margaret is dedicated to preparing students for careers in the culinary field by facilitating job placements with respected local establishments such as Vino e Vino, Il Cornicello, and Thirsty Moose. Through these partnerships, students gain hands-on experience in professional kitchens, applying their ProStart-acquired knowledge in practical settings. Furthermore, she has organized visits to culinary colleges, helping students explore post secondary opportunities and align their career aspirations with industry standards.

Her commitment to experiential learning is further demonstrated through upcoming field trips to the US Foods distribution center and Chinatown, offering students valuable insights into supply chain logistics, ingredient sourcing, and cultural influences on cuisine—essential topics within the ProStart curriculum. These trips reinforce the importance of understanding the broader food industry beyond the kitchen.

Margaret’s leadership extends beyond the classroom as she guides students in SkillsUSA competitions, where they refine their culinary and leadership abilities in high-stakes environments. She also facilitates after-school events and dinners, allowing students to practice menu development, event execution, and customer service—all critical competencies within ProStart. Additionally, her partnership with Saint Vincent DePaul in preparing monthly meals for seniors emphasizes the role of culinary professionals in community service and reinforces the importance of nutrition and menu adaptation for different populations.

Margaret has also stepped up as the cluster facilitator, organizing meetings and ensuring collaboration among educators to enhance the ProStart program’s impact. Her leadership and willingness to support both her students and colleagues further highlight her dedication to ProStart’s mission.

Margaret embodies the spirit of ProStart through her unwavering commitment to integrating curriculum-driven culinary education with real-world experiences. Her ability to connect students with industry opportunities while fostering essential skills makes her an exceptional candidate for the New Hampshire ProStart Educator of the Year.