Partnership with NRAEF expands Unity鈥檚 national network of workforce-aligned pathways from high school to applied bachelor鈥檚 completion
猫咪社区 has announced a new articulation agreement with the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) through its , establishing a streamlined pathway for eligible ProStart students to pursue an applied bachelor鈥檚 degree at Unity.
Under the agreement, students who earn the ProStart National Certificate of Achievement (COA) may transfer eligible academic and/or work experience credit into Unity鈥檚 Applied Bachelor鈥檚 programs in Culinary Innovation and Food Systems or Sustainable Business Management through Unity Career Edge.
ProStart is a nationally recognized, two-year high school program that prepares students for careers in culinary arts and restaurant management through classroom instruction, industry-aligned curriculum, and hands-on work experience. Students who earn the COA complete rigorous exams and document at least 400 hours of industry-related experience.
Unity Career Edge delivers applied bachelor鈥檚 degrees in an online, asynchronous format, allowing students to continue working while completing their education.
鈥淭his partnership represents something much larger than a single agreement,鈥� said Dr. Melik Peter Khoury, President & CEO of 猫咪社区. 鈥淎t Unity, we are intentionally building an ecosystem of workforce-aligned pathways that connect high school career programs, industry credentials, and聽degree聽completion opportunities. Agreements like this one with NRAEF are part of a broader strategy to remove friction between learning and earning, creating clear, affordable routes to leadership for working professionals.鈥澛�
Denise Young, Executive Vice President of Educational Outcomes, emphasized the impact on students and families.
鈥淔or ProStart graduates and their families, this creates clarity,鈥� Young said. 鈥淪tudents who have already invested in career-focused training can continue building on that experience instead of starting over. This agreement creates a direct, affordable pathway from high school career preparation to a fully accredited applied bachelor鈥檚 degree, helping students continue advancing their education and careers at the same time.鈥�
Unity鈥檚 Applied Bachelor鈥檚 programs emphasize sustainability, responsible food systems, and applied leadership, equipping graduates for advancement across hospitality, food service, and related industries.
For more information visit /distance-education/prostart-articulation-agreement/.
