​The 2025 National ProStart Invitational wrapped up on May 4 in Baltimore, where CTEC’s management team proudly represented Oregon on the national stage. Their performance reflected months of preparation, creativity, and professionalism. Competing at this level is no small feat — and for these students, it was an unforgettable opportunity to showcase their skills, gain national exposure, and connect with peers and professionals from across the country. Their journey is a powerful example of what’s possible when students are given the tools and support to dream big and deliver. 

Austin, the team’s instructor — and a former ProStart competitor himself — knows the power of this program. “I competed on the culinary team when I was in high school at South Salem,” he shared. “Now I get to pass that experience on. I can train students on what it’s really like in the industry.”

CTEC’s ProStart program is part of a half-day technical high school that draws students from six Salem-Keizer high schools. The immersive curriculum blends culinary training with career-focused academics. Students attend CTEC every other day, earning core credits in English and social studies through industry-relevant projects. Their English curriculum includes resume building, interview prep, and communication training. Meanwhile, in the global cuisine lab, students recently wrapped up a two-week Korean cuisine unit — complete with homemade kimchi and an exploration of fermentation.

The program also includes hands-on kitchen instruction, food safety certification, and the opportunity to run a functioning on-campus café. That café, Austin notes, plays a crucial role not just in learning, but in sustaining the program. “We bring in revenue from the café that helps fund ingredients and experiences. It gives students real-world insight into how a business operates.”

This year’s ProStart management team includes seniors Aislinn, Roberto, Esme, and Riley J., as well as junior Riley M. (not to be confused with their teammate). Their project? The Meadow’s Edge — an enchanted forest-themed restaurant concept inspired by Pacific Northwest landscapes, sustainability, and community-centered values. Think mossy stone walls, whimsical mushrooms, butterfly motifs, and a menu featuring foraged herbs and Willamette Valley ingredients. “It’s like nothing I’ve seen before,” Austin said. “They built it from scratch. It’s imaginative, it’s thoughtful, and it’s 100% theirs.”

The path to Nationals began in December with a rigorous tryout process. Students applied and submitted original presentations in one of three tracks: recipe costing, fictional restaurant menus, or marketing strategies for the school café. From there, Austin assembled a team that was not only strong on paper but brought complementary strengths to the table.

Aislinn, who plans to pursue marketing after graduation, led the branding strategy. Roberto, concept-driven and detail-oriented, helped shape the atmosphere and values of the restaurant. Riley J. acted as the team’s graphic designer, producing posters and menus, while Riley M., a numbers whiz, handled the detailed costing sheets. Esme, their team captain, kept everyone organized and on task. “Even though I’m the teacher,” Austin said with a laugh, “when Esme says, ‘we need to do this,’ we do it.”

Together, they started building in January. By March, their practice schedule had ramped up to five nights a week. Their first goal: win the Oregon ProStart Championships. They did just that, taking first place at the statewide competition in Salem. The feedback they received from judges became the blueprint for their next round of revisions. “They combed through every note,” Austin said. “They wanted to improve every element. They took it seriously.”

After state, practice intensified again. Twice a week, for six-hour blocks, the team ran through their presentation over and over — refining their pitch, anticipating judge questions, and solidifying every detail. “We got to the point where they could present it five or six times a day,” Austin said. “It’s a lot, and they’re teenagers. But they stayed motivated.”

That motivation wasn’t teacher-imposed. It came from the students themselves — from a deep sense of ownership and pride. When the team noticed they still had areas to polish, they were the ones to request extra practices. “They came to me as the teacher,” Austin recalled. “‘We want to add a couple practices in the next couple weeks. When are you available?’”

One of the biggest challenges in preparing for the competition, Austin explained, is making sure the team has a shared and consistent understanding of their restaurant concept. “It’s easy for each person to have their own version in their head. But when you’re up there presenting to judges, it has to be seamless. You all need to be describing the same place with the same details — even down to the fabric on the booths.”

But just as important as the technical skills are the intangible ones: communication, professionalism, leadership, and confidence. Austin has seen his students grow tremendously in all these areas. “I remember when Riley M. joined us, they were so shy. Their dad came to introduce them, and they barely spoke. Now they’re presenting in front of adults like it’s second nature.”

Austin believes that’s one of the most important legacies of ProStart. “These students may not all go into hospitality. But they’re walking away with job readiness skills that will serve them in any field. They know how to interview. They know how to collaborate. They know how to lead.”

It’s also a program that opens doors. Last year, Nationals awarded over $200,000 in scholarships — but for many students, the real value lies in the exposure and connections they gain. “They’ll meet students from all over the country,” Austin said. “These are the people they might be working alongside one day. That’s powerful.”

And while the competition was intense, it wasn’t all business. The team also enjoyed a celebratory dinner and some sightseeing in Baltimore — a well-earned reward after months of preparation. They entered the convention hall in matching team outfits, portfolios in hand, and delivered the presentation they’d spent months refining. “Wherever we place is amazing,” Austin said ahead of the trip. “We have this super cool opportunity… to network, to meet students from all over the country — people who will be in our industry next year. Not everyone gets to do that.”

Programs like CTEC’s don’t happen without support. The cost of food, travel, and materials is high, and not every school has a café or the backing of business partners. Austin is grateful for the donors who help make these opportunities possible, and for the hospitality professionals who see the value in investing in the next generation.

“Anytime we can expose students to something new, something that broadens their worldview — that’s a win,” he said. “Sometimes it’s as simple as tasting bokBok choy for the first time. Sometimes, it’s stepping onto a national stage — and realizing you belong there.”

To support the CTEC ProStart program and help offset competition costs, you can donate here. To donate to our culinary program’s ASB account to support our Prostart program. Under the SCHOOL School dropdown, select CTEC, and under the ITEM Item dropdown, select culinary Culinary donationDonation. Please add your name and address to the memo line so we can send a donation acknowledgment. Click on buy, then click on cart to pay. | Rebecca Donley, Oregon Hospitality Foundation

​Volunteer at the 2025 Oregon ProStart Championships

Happy New Year from the Oregon Hospitality Foundation! I encourage you to start off 2025 by taking the opportunity to mold our future workforce by impacting them with your knowledge of how fun our industry is to have a career in! 

Preparing and investing in the future workforce is essential in today's fast-changing hospitality landscape. With workforce shortages impacting the restaurant and hospitality industry, programs like ProStart are stepping up to bridge the gap by inspiring the next generation of professionals.

Supported by the Oregon Hospitality Foundation, ProStart offers career technical education (CTE) that empowers high school students with essential skills and hands-on experiences. With over 7,700 students across 48 Oregon schools participating, this program significantly changes their lives and the industry’s future.

Make an Impact: Volunteer or Contribute
Volunteering plays a vital role in shaping the next generation of hospitality leaders. Whether through time, expertise, or financial contributions, your support can have a lasting impact. The 2025 Oregon ProStart Championships on March 17 at the Salem Convention Center offers an incredible opportunity to witness this transformative program and support its mission.

Here’s how you can get involved:

• Volunteer as an Industry Judge: Share your expertise to help students hone their skills.
• Participate in the Hospitality Showcase: Connect with students, highlight career paths, and build valuable relationships.
• Sponsor the Event: Show your support through sponsorships that help sustain this impactful program.
• Donate: Financial contributions, fuel training, resources, and student development.

Celebrate Success at the Awards Dinner
Following the intense competition, the Awards Dinner celebrates students’ achievements and recognizes the dedication of educators and mentors. Scholarships are awarded, and top winners advance to represent Oregon at the national competition in Baltimore, Maryland.

Why Your Involvement Matters
Volunteering goes beyond lending a helping hand—it's about inspiring future professionals, fostering a supportive community, and strengthening the hospitality sector. When you participate, you:

• Inspire: Motivate students by sharing your career journey.
• Connect: Build networks with passionate professionals.
• Invest in the Industry’s Future: Help ensure a pipeline of skilled, dedicated talent.

Join Us
Mark your calendar for March 17, 2025, and join us at the Salem Convention Center. Whether you volunteer as a judge, secure a showcase table, sponsor, or donate—every contribution matters. Let’s inspire, empower, and uplift the next generation of hospitality leaders together.

To learn more or sign up, visit the Oregon Hospitality Foundation's website or contact me via email. | Courtney Smith