State-Approved Programs of Studies integrates performance-based learning with academics, entrepreneurship, and technology skills to prepare students for successful employment in the 21st Century. Students utilize problem-solving techniques and participate in hands-on activities to develop an understanding of course concepts. Teachers should provide each student with real world learning opportunities and instruction. Students are encouraged to become active members of Career Technical Student Organizations (CTSO). Students are eligible to earn a variety of industry certifications and college credit.

ProStart

ProStart® is a nationwide, culinary arts high school program developed by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. The program reaches nearly 150,000 students in more than 1,900 high schools across 50 states, Guam and the Department of Defense Education Activity schools in Europe and the Pacific.

The ProStart Program of Study focuses on the skills needed for a successful employment in a restaurant environment but has applicability for students interested in culinary nutrition, dietary services, and child nutrition services. ProStart curriculum integrates performance-based learning with academics, entrepreneurship, and technology skills to prepare students for successful employment in the 21st Century.

Students are given the opportunity to earn scholarships by participating in the Hospitality Cup, West Virginia’s State ProStart Invitational, and SkillsUSA student organization.

Baking & Pastry

The Baking and Pastry program prepares students for various aspects of baking and pastry. Students will start with the very basics of the industry such as how ingredients work together for them to make a commercial, sellable product. Other content includes various breads, cookies, pies, cakes, tortes, plated desserts, chocolate and sugar work. This program will help prepare students for culinary school or work in a bakery right after graduation. Students are given the opportunity to earn scholarships by participating in SkillsUSA student organization.

Hospitality & Tourism

The Hospitality and Tourism Program of Study focuses on the management, marketing and operations of travel and tourism specifically in West Virginia and the travel and tourism industry as an entity. This Program of Study focuses on “hands-on” and academic activities geared toward management opportunities and skills in the industry. The core courses in this program are Introduction to Hospitality & Tourism and Travel West Virginia. To complete the program, students choose two final courses from one of four specializations: Event Planning; Recreation and Adventure Tourism; Hospitality & Tourism; and Lodging Management.

Culinary Arts – Adult Program (ACE)

In the ACE Culinary Arts program, you will receive hands-on training while studying baking and pastry, professional cooking, safety, sanitation, nutrition, equipment, human relations, supervisory skills, dining room skills, and business practices. Upon completion of the program, you’ll be in demand anywhere great food is prepared – from restaurants to resorts!

There are currently two ACE Culinary Arts programs in West Virginia: Carver Career Center in Charleston and James Rumsey Technical Institute in Martinsburg.  Both programs offer the American Culinary Federation (ACF) certifications.