Developing Restaurant & Hospitality Leaders

ProStart® is a nationwide, two-year program fostering future leaders in the restaurant and hospitality industry. Administered by the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation nationally, and the Retailers Association in South Dakota since 2007, it ignites passion and hones skills in culinary artistry and hospitality management. Join us and become part of a legacy shaping the industry's future!

The ProStart Impact In South Dakota

High School Programs
25 
Students Participating
​873
​
Students Working in Industry
200
Uniting the industry and classroom.
Students gain valuable hands-on experience from industry professionals through mentorships and other industry support.​
Life-changing opportunities and career direction.
Participants gain access to scholarships and can receive college credit and advanced placement.
Developing tomorrow’s industry workforce.
Work-study positions provide practical skills, open doors and build connections with professionals in the real-world.
A high standard of excellence.
Alumni enter the workforce prepared for the future and excited to enter a promising career.

ProStart Invitational
March 9 & 10, 2026 | Ramkota Hotel, Pierre SD

Teams of students from across South Dakota put their culinary and hospitality management skills to the test at the Annual South Dakota ProStart Invitational at the Ramkota Hotel and Convention Center in Pierre, SD. Open to the public.

The ProStart Invitational is an intense, fast-paced event where students compete in culinary and restaurant management competitions along with cake decorating. Students are judged by industry professionals on culinary skills and restaurant management proposals, along with many other valuable job skills.
2025 Results
MANAGEMENT
1st Place | Harrisburg High School
2nd Place | T.F. Riggs High School (Pierre)
CULINARY
1st Place | T.F. Riggs High School (Pierre)
2nd Place | Rapid City Stevens
CAKE DECORATING
1st Place | Mitchell CTE
2nd Place | Sioux Falls CTE Academy

South Dakota ProStart® Schools

Aberdeen ATEC
Alcester-Hudson High School
Bridgewater-Emery High School
Canistota High School
​Clark High School
​Florence High School
Hamlin School District
Harrisburg High School
Hot Springs High School
Huron High School
Irene-Wakonda High School
Madison Central High School
​Mitchell CTE Academy
​Northeast Technical School (Watertown)
​Rapid City Central High School
​Rapid City Stevens High School
SD Virtual School
Sioux Falls CTE Academy
St. Francis Indian School
Sturgis Brown High School
T. F. Riggs High School (Pierre)
Todd County High School
​Wagner Community High School
​Webster High School​
​Willow Lake High School

ProStart in Action

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