PIERRE, SD – Seven high schools across South Dakota are traveling to Pierre to compete in the South Dakota ProStart® Invitational, a statewide competition focused on restaurant management and culinary arts. The teams who are awarded top honors at the March 14 competition will receive scholarships and advancement to the National ProStart® Invitational.

Sponsored by the South Dakota Retailers Association, ProStart® is a career and technical education program focused on teaching culinary arts and restaurant management fundamentals through a combination of classroom and industry experience. 

“Investing in our future leaders is an essential step toward improving South Dakota’s ongoing workforce issue,” said Retailers Association Executive Director Nathan Sanderson. “In addition to providing real-world experience, ProStart® develops students into team players capable of handling high-pressure situations.”

This year, 55 competitors will put their skills to the test in front of restaurant and hospitality leaders, family, and friends. The top-placing teams from both the culinary and management competitions will earn scholarships to continue their education and earn the right to compete at the National ProStart Invitational in Washington, DC, in May.

“I love ProStart® because it gives students that industry experience within the classroom,” said T.F. Riggs High School ProStart® Instructor LaKisha Jordan. “They are learning hands-on, base knowledge that gives these high schoolers the confidence to go outside of the classroom and pursue any dream.”

The competition kicks off on Tuesday, March 14 at the Ramkota Hotel and Convention Centre in Pierre, with the cake decorating and restaurant management competitions beginning at 8:45 a.m. and culinary competition beginning at 12:00 pm. The event is open to the public, and all are welcome to attend.