This week, Connecticut Public television aired its production “Teen Chefs, Big Dreams” as part of it’s Mini Docs series. The episode tells the story of the ProStart® teams from Wilbur Cross High School in New Haven as they work toward the Connecticut state championship and attend the 2023 National ProStart Invitational in Washington, DC. “Teen Chefs, Big Dreams” is a beautifully filmed documentary that captures the essence and experience of ProStart from the perspectives of the students and their educator. It’s a powerful reminder of the life-changing impact of the restaurant and foodservice industry, and the ProStart educators who influence these amazing students.

From Connecticut Public: “Chef Nate Bradshaw is a beloved culinary teacher at Wilbur Cross High School. About ten years ago, he started a competitive cooking team with students who stay after school to learn the nuances of culinary arts and restaurant management. Despite having little publicity and no budget to buy food and equipment for the competition, Bradshaw’s team went from placing in the top 50 to winning first place in the nation in just a few years. The students currently fund their team by catering school events and selling ice cream sandwiches in between classes. Bradshaw uses the cooking team as a launching point for them to secure scholarships and jobs in the industry. In this mini-doc, we will meet the members of this year’s cooking team, learn what drives Chef Bradshaw and his students, and follow them on the road to the national championships, where 50 high schools from each state will compete under pressure to create the best culinary experience in the nation.”