Culinary Arts Program

Lancaster High School’s award winning culinary program is an industry, ProStart certified and Articulated college credit, two-year program for junior and senior students. The ProStart Program®, is administered by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF). It gives high school students the opportunity to explore career opportunities and gain the skills needed to operate and manage a foodservice operation by pairing classroom learning with on-the-job experience. LHS will combine academic classroom work with the opportunity for students to participate in mentored paid internships at local restaurants. During the internships, students get hands-on experience in different areas of foodservice. They work directly with industry professionals who serve as mentors to ensure the students are getting the most from their work experience and having the opportunity to practice what they learn in the classroom. Students will also manage a student run foodservice operation which will provide catering services. When students meet academic standards, complete a checklist of competencies, and participate in at least 400 hours of a mentored work experience, they are awarded the ProStart® National Certificate of Achievement that signifies they are well qualified to enter the industry workforce and qualifies them for college credits and scholarships. Students can earn their 5 year industry certification in ServSafe. The Program is recognized as a Hospitality Program of Distinction and has been listed in the Elite 50 high school programs in the nation for the last four years. The program develops the best and brightest talent into tomorrow’s industry leaders. From culinary techniques to management skills, ProStart’s industry-driven curriculum provides real-world educational opportunities and builds practical skills and a foundation that will last a lifetime. By bringing industry and the classroom together, ProStart gives students a platform to discover new interests and talents and opens doors for fulfilling careers. Students who achieve certification also earn college credits at area and nationally recognized culinary schools. Students will have the opportunity to work with local industry professionals, operate a student run catering company, compete for scholarships in culinary competitions and through service projects step up to take their place as a vital part of the Lancaster community.