Please place this item on the agenda to discuss at the February 1, 2023 Commission meeting.

On May 4, 2022, the Miami Beach City Commission adopted resolution 2022-32155, authorizing a contribution of $100,000 for equipment for the ProStart Kitchen at Miami Beach Senior High School.

According to the 2022 resolution: ProStart is a nationwide, two-year high school culinary arts and restaurants management program that reaches approximately 130,000 students in more than 1,700 high schools across 50 states. From culinary techniques to management skills, ProStart’s industry-driven curriculum provides real-life experience opportunities and builds practical skills and a foundation that will last a lifetime. Students who have completed the requirements of the ProStart program are awarded an industry-recognized certificate, the ProStart National Certificate of Achievement. Students who receive the certificate are eligible for NRAEF scholarship opportunities and course credits at some of the country’s leading hospitality and culinary arts colleges and universities.

At this time, the program is in need of $70,000 to meet its goal to ensure that there are at least six culinary classes available each year following completion of the retrofit and new equipment installation for no less than five years including inclusion of the classes as elective offerings in the Miami Beach Senior High School master schedule and marketing of the program annually to students during student subject selection.

The City of Miami Beach has a long history of supporting excellence in education in the City’s public schools. The purpose of this discussion is to determine whether or not the City Commission wishes to urge the State of Florida and the State Delegation to appropriate funds to close the $70,000 budget gap.

Enclosed is correspondence from Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce supporting this effort.