In 2016, Milwaukee Public Schools implemented ProStart, a nationally recognized culinary arts track for high school students that aimed to change the trajectory for students, offer them valuable life skills and prepare them for future jobs in the service industry.
On this week’s podcast, we chat with two key players who keep the program running at Bay View High School, one of four MPS secondary education institutions who offer ProStart to students. Chef Jarvis Williams, formerly of SURG Restaurant Group and Culinary Arts Instructor AnnMarie Sims talk us through the program, offering insights into what makes culinary education work, what students learn and how it contributes to their success. Along the way, they share stories from the perspective of chef mentor and teacher, illustrating how passion, hard work and dedication make a difference in the lives of urban youth.