The Culinary Arts program at the Arkansas Tech University Career Center utilizes the ProStart Program, which introduces students to careers in the hospitality industry. The goal of the program is to prepare students to be managers in hospitality settings. The ProStart Program is implemented through the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation and the Arkansas Hospitality Association. 

The second component of this study is paid workplace experience. Local jobs provide job-relevant education. During this internship, job-site mentors work with students to help them put into practice the skills and concepts they have learned in the classroom. Each student learns important job skills, including interviewing and social etiquette. Everyone will make a portfolio to take to job interviews.

The two-year program includes 25 subject areas that include basic and quantity food preparation, accounting and cost control, sanitation and workplace safety. An abundance of hands-on training accompany lecture and textbook learning. Field trips to various sites help enhance the classroom studies.  Students planning to attend college can receive college credit toward Arkansas Tech University, which has an articulation agreement with the Career Center. 

Students who complete this program offered at the Career Center may receive a Certificate of Proficiency in culinary arts.

Faculty

Cody Dare
  cdare@atu.edu