HospitalityConnect prepares students for careers ranging from hotel management to culinary arts. Students can participate in regional competitions to hone their skills and may even receive industry certifications.
Culinary 1 is comprised of higher-level skills for the kitchen as well as basic front-of-the-house customer service. Students will learn higher-level knife skills, and advanced preparations of baking, stocks, sauces, soup, vegetables and meat. Front-of-the-house experience will include the school coffee shop, quick casual breakfast and lunch settings, and catering events.
This two-semester program is for students who have career interests in the food industry, including managing or owning a restaurant. Students will gain knowledge and experience in the world of culinary services. The course focuses on planning, organizing, creating, naming and financing a food-related class business. Course content is based on standards of the food industry with emphasis on bakery, deli and catering.
ProStart 1 — Professional Start in Business Management in Hospitality and Food Service — focuses on individualized instruction and job training in areas of business such as food production and supervision. Students will learn basic concepts that are applicable to any business. Concepts include an overview of careers, customers, facilities, sanitation and safety procedures, equipment, production procedures, and cost controls.
ProStart 2 –Professional Start in Business Management in Hospitality and Food Service — focuses on hospitality management. Students learn skills in the form of required competencies and these skills are the priority, not the number of hours worked. Partnerships between students and industry mentors are key. Training focuses on individualized instruction and job training in areas of tourism, lodging, food production and supervision. Emphases are on self-awareness, personal planning for the future, advanced skills in consumerism and entrepreneurship in industry.
Note: CareerConnect classes may vary by school.
| Occupation | Education Level | Median Annual Earnings |
| Short Order Cook | High School Diploma | $24,250 |
| Head Chef | Associate’s Degree | $47,750 |
| Travel Agent | Associate’s Degree | $39,900 |
| Lodging Manager | Associate’s Degree | $68,650 |
| Event Planner | Bachelor’s Degree | $45,000 |
| General/Operations Manager | Bachelor’s Degree | $122,000 |
Source: Colorado Department of Labor and Employment