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 2023-2024
Ashley Mota, Dover Regional Career Technical Center
In partnership with the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF), the New Hampshire Lodging & Restaurant Association Education Foundation (NHLRAEF) awards an annual New Hampshire ProStart® Educator of the Year.
The award recipient from New Hampshire is nominated for the NRAEF ProStart® National Educator of Excellence Awards (EEA), which recognize educators who demonstrate excellence in the classroom and passion, commitment and creativity in all aspects of the ProStart® program to help their students make the most of the opportunities that ProStart® offers.
The NHLRAEF is proud to announce this year’s New Hampshire ProStart® Educator of the Year is Ashley Mota, culinary arts teacher, Dover Regional Career Technical Center. Chef Mota always has a smile on her face, and exudes a genuine enjoyment when working and engaging with her students.
When asked about Chef Mota, one of her students said, “Chef Mota has made an impact through her unique teaching methods and unwavering support. She shares real world stories from her professional experiences that connects classwork to working in the culinary arts field. This connection helps to prepare us for the challenges found in a professional kitchen. Chef Mota is an inspiration who makes culinary education fun.”
Dover Regional Career Technical Center’s Director, Kori Kennedy stated in her nomination, “Chef Mota has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to student success, implemented innovative teaching methods, maintained strong connections to the culinary industry, and made invaluable contributions to our school community. Her dedication to student success is evident in the personalized attention and guidance given to each student. Beyond teaching culinary skills, Chef Mota fosters a supportive learning environment that encourages creativity and critical thinking. Students under her mentorship consistently achieve high levels of proficiency and passion for the culinary arts. This commitment extends beyond the classroom, as she is always willing to provide extra assistance and guidance to students, ensuring they thrive both academically and personally.”
In addition to being considered for a National award, Chef Mota will be invited to join her peers across the country as a ProStart® Educator Fellow. From the NHLRAEF, Chef Mota will receive an award, $1,000, and an invitation to New Hampshire Lodging & Restaurant Association’s annual Stars of the Industry dinner. We are thrilled to honor and celebrate Chef Ashley Mota as the New Hampshire ProStart® Educator of the Year for 2023-2024.
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
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