A Recipe for Success: Community and Industry Support Shakopee Students, and the Future of Culinary Arts
Real-world learning has never tasted sweeter. Today, the Business & Entrepreneurship Academy at Shakopee High School showcased the impact and importance of hospitality classes for students and their role in sustaining the industry.
As one of only two wall-to-wall real-world learning models in the state, the Academies of Shakopee hosted Angie Whitcomb, IOM, President and CEO of Hospitality Minnesota and the Hospitality Minnesota Education Foundation, industry professionals and Scott County representatives, including Senator Eric Pratt and Representative Ben Bakeberg in the school’s culinary kitchen. Hospitality Minnesota is a member-driven organization dedicated to educating, supporting and advocating for Minnesota’s hospitality industry.
The event highlighted the impact and results of ProStart, a two-year, industry-backed culinary arts and restaurant management program reaching over 214,000 high school students nationwide. The Hospitality Minnesota Education Foundation directly supports this program in Shakopee.
“It’s incredible to see the evolution of careers in the hospitality industry and the genuine passion our students have for their work,” shared Jeff Pawlicki, Shakopee High School Principal. Since its inception in the Business & Entrepreneurship Academy, roughly 1,000 Shakopee High School students have enrolled in Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management courses using the ProStart program. Over 300 Shakopee alumni are currently working in the industry, according to recent survey results from the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation.
Shakopee Educators Heather Baumbach, the 2024 ProStart Teacher of the Year, and Stefanie Zoss have doubled the size of the ProStart team from six to thirteen students. With local and national competitions, students receive mentorship from Academy Champion, Canterbury Park, and Josh Brown, the 2024 ProStart Mentor of the Year and former Executive Chef at Bacio.
“ProStart culinary competitions are one of the toughest sports in the district,” said Angie Whitcomb, IOM during the event.
Shakopee students have a strong track record in ProStart competitions. Last March, they competed against 17 teams in St. Paul, MN, winning the Essence of Taste Award, Creative Plating Award and Professional Menu Design Award. Thanks to a donation from the Shakopee Foundation, the 501(c)(3) of the Shakopee Chamber and convening organization for the Academies of Shakopee, the team advanced to the National Competition in Maryland, placing 13th out of 48 teams.
Shakopee students are currently preparing for the 2025 state competition in March. They’ve created their own spin on Takoyaki, a Japanese snack, and guests at the event had the opportunity to taste this culinary masterpiece.
“I like being up front during competitions to showcase my prep skills,” shared Shakopee High School student Emmanuel Ebot, who created two sauces from scratch for the recipe
ProStart is currently taught to 13,000 students statewide, supporting an industry facing significant staffing shortages. Scott County, home to one of the state’s most vibrant hospitality industries, employs over 5,300 hospitality workers, according to Explore Minnesota and MN Compass Data (2023-24).
“There’s room for everyone in the kitchen,” said Josh Brown, emphasizing the diverse skills and opportunities within the hospitality industry. Josh met educators Heather and Stefanie through ProStart instructor training at General Mills. Together, with Hospitality Minnesota and other industry partners, they aim to inspire students, cultivate a skilled workforce, and meet the future needs of the global hospitality industry.
Reprinted with permission of Shakopee Public Schools.