The Hospitality & Tourism: Culinary Pathway is part of Overland High School's Career and Technical Education (CTE) offerings, and take place in the Pathways at Overland building. Student will register for the CTE Pathway courses through the high school registration process.
These ProStart pre-apprenticeship courses introduce students in grades 10–12 to a comprehensive, competency-based foodservice and hospitality curriculum developed by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation and the Colorado Restaurant Foundation. Students study culinary arts, restaurant and lodging management, entrepreneurship, and employability skills while gaining paid, mentored experience in a variety of industry settings. Those pursuing national ProStart certification complete a 400-hour guided internship and pass the ProStart I and II exams, with both courses offered in alternating years and not required in sequence.
Participants have opportunities to earn college credit, industry certifications, and take part in scholarship and competition experiences. Students further apply their learning by operating the Pathways at Overland Coffee Shop, gaining hands-on experience in a real culinary and customer service environment.
Skills Developed
These courses help students develop a wide range of valuable career skills, including food preparation techniques, kitchen safety, time management, teamwork, and business operations. They strengthen customer service abilities, leadership, professionalism, and problem-solving through real-world practice. By working directly with customers and managing daily operations, students build confidence, communication skills, and the work habits needed for success in the culinary, hospitality, and restaurant industries.
Careers
Line Cook/Prep Cook Average Salary $40K
Caterer Average Salary $45K
Food Truck Operator Average Salary $55K
Personal Chef Average Salary $80K
Anyone can cook, but only the fearless can be great.
Certifications
ServSafe Food Handler
ServSafe Allergen
Colorado Restaurant Association Workforce Readiness Certificate
ProStart National Certification of Achievement
Find specific Certifications in the Course details.
This pre-apprenticeship course from the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation and Colorado Restaurant Foundation introduces students to a competency-based foodservice & hospitality management curriculum offered to students in grades 10-12. It is a study of culinary arts, restaurant and lodging management, employability skills, and business entrepreneurship coupled with paid mentored work internships in a broad spectrum of industry restaurant, foodservice, and lodging operations. Students who wish to obtain the national ProStart certification must complete a 400 - hour guided internship and pass the exams for both ProStart I & II.
Successful participants in the program will have the opportunity to receive college credits, earn industry certifications and credentials, compete in the ProStart Invitational Competitions, and apply for industry scholarships. Lab fee of $80 for the year is required. Optional fees include concurrent enrollment credit (3 credits), chef coat, and competition.
**ProStart I and II are offered on alternate years and do not have to be taken in order.
Grades: 10-12
Length: 1 Year
Credits: 1 Credit
Certifications: ServSafe Food Handler, ServSafe Allergen, Colorado Restaurant Association Workforce Readiness Certificate, ProStart National Certification of Achievement
This pre-apprenticeship course from the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation and Colorado Restaurant Foundation introduces students to a competency-based foodservice & hospitality management curriculum offered to students in grades 10-12. It is a study of culinary arts, restaurant and lodging management, employability skills, and business entrepreneurship coupled with paid mentored work internships in a broad spectrum of industry restaurant, foodservice, and lodging operations. Students who wish to obtain the national ProStart certification must complete a 400 - hour guided internship and pass the exams for both ProStart I & II. Successful participants in the program will have the opportunity to receive college credits, earn industry certifications and credentials, compete in the ProStart Invitational Competitions, and apply for industry scholarships. Lab fee of $80 for the year is required. Optional fees include concurrent enrollment credit (3 credits), chef coat, and competition.
**ProStart I and II are offered on alternate years and do not have to be taken in order.
Grades: 10-12
Length: 1 Year
Credit: 1 Credit
Certifications: ServSafe Food Handler, ServSafe Allergen, Colorado Restaurant Association Workforce Readiness Certificate, ProStart National Certification of Achievement
Students gain real-world experience by operating the Pathways at Overland Coffee Shop, applying culinary, hospitality, and customer service skills in a professional setting. Through hands-on practice, students refine food preparation techniques, time management, teamwork, and business operations while engaging directly with customers. This course emphasizes employability skills, professionalism, and leadership in a work-based learning environment that connects classroom instruction to industry expectations in culinary arts and hospitality.
Grades: 11-12
Prerequisites: ProStart 1 or ProStart 2 or Baking & Pastry 1 or 2
Length: 1 Year
Credit: 1 Credit
Related Higher Education in Colorado
Colorado Mesa University: Associate in Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Colorado Mountain College: Associate in Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts: Associate of Occupational Studies in Culinary Arts
