The ProStart program is a two-year curriculum designed to teach high school students the culinary and management skills needed for a career in the restaurant and foodservice industry. The Hospitality Industry Education Foundation (HIEF), which administers the ProStart Program in New Mexico, is supported in part by the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation along with corporate and individual donors. Each spring, New Mexico ProStart students compete to earn a chance to advance to the National ProStart Invitational.

New Mexico ProStart

Where the Future of Hospitality Takes Shape

New Mexico ProStart is a two-year, industry-driven culinary and restaurant management program that prepares high school students for exciting careers in the foodservice and hospitality world. Through hands-on learning, mentorship, and statewide competitions, students gain the real-world skills they need to thrive.

ProStart blends classroom instruction, industry mentorship, and gives students a powerful head start in hospitality careers.

Students learn:

· Culinary & Management Essentials

· Safety & Sanitation

· Nutrition & Cost Control

· Creativity in Food Design

· Leadership and Teamwork

The program is administered in New Mexico by the Hospitality Industry Education Foundation (HIEF) and supported by the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation.

Competitions & Scholarships

Each spring, New Mexico ProStart students compete in the annual NM ProStart Invitational for a chance to advance to the National ProStart Invitational.

Top-placing teams earn:

· Trophies and Medals

· Access to Scholarships

· Statewide recognition

· Industry mentorship

Benefits for ProStart Schools

· Annual Educator Training

· Annual Educator & Student Bootcamp

· Students Can Earn Certificates of Achievement

· Scholarships

· State & National competitions

· Educator of Excellence Awards

· Educator Professional Development Opportunities

Ways to Get Involved

New Mexico’s hospitality community plays a huge role in shaping the next generation of leaders. You can support NM ProStart by:

· Offering Tours of Your Business

· Speaking in Classrooms

· Hiring ProStart Students

· Provide Named Scholarships

· Mentor ProStart Educators & Students

· Sponsor ProStart Schools & Competitions

New Mexico ProStart: Feeding Dreams, Building Futures

Whether you’re a student, educator, or industry partner, NM ProStart opens doors to opportunity, creativity, and community. Join us in shaping the future of New Mexico’s hospitality industry.

For more information contact Tom Schuch, Executive Director, HIEF Email: education@nmrestaurants.org

Call: 505-494-5758 direct