Maryland ProStart Student Invitational

What is MPSI?

The Maryland ProStart Student Invitational (MPSI) is a statewide team culinary and hospitality management competition where students compete for scholarships and the right to represent the state of Maryland at the National ProStart Invitational (NPSI). The competition displays the skills students learned from the ProStart® program — a nationwide, two-year high school program that unites the classroom and industry to develop the best and brightest talent into tomorrow's restaurant and foodservice leaders. To get involved or become a judge, click here.

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How the Competitions Work

An instructor reading to students

Management Competition

Management teams develop a proposal for the next promising restaurant concept and present it to a panel of industry judges. They are evaluated on their concept, layout and staffing plans, marketing tactics, menu, and their problem-solving skills are tested as they are challenged to solve common management problems.

A high school chef prepares a dish at the MPSI competition

Culinary Competition

The culinary competition highlights each team’s creative abilities through the preparation of a three-course meal in 60 minutes, using only two butane burners and without access to running water or electricity. There is no room for error as they are evaluated on taste, skill, teamwork, safety, and sanitation.

Upcoming MPSI Competition

The 2026 Maryland ProStart Student Invitational was held on February 19, 2026, at the Laurel Boys & Girls Club. The 2026 National ProStart Student Invitational will take place at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront April 24-26, 2026. Follow us on social media to learn more!