Partnership with NRAEF expands Unity’s national network of workforce-aligned pathways from high school to applied bachelor’s completion
Unity Environmental University has announced a new articulation agreement with the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) through its ProStart program, establishing a streamlined pathway for eligible ProStart students to pursue an applied bachelor’s 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’s Applied Bachelor’s 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’s degrees in an online, asynchronous format, allowing students to continue working while completing their education.
“This partnership represents something much larger than a single agreement,” said Dr. Melik Peter Khoury, President & CEO of Unity Environmental University. “At Unity, we are intentionally building an ecosystem of workforce-aligned pathways that connect high school career programs, industry credentials, and degree 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.”
Denise Young, Executive Vice President of Educational Outcomes, emphasized the impact on students and families.
“For ProStart graduates and their families, this creates clarity,” Young said. “Students 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’s degree, helping students continue advancing their education and careers at the same time.”
Unity’s Applied Bachelor’s programs emphasize sustainability, responsible food systems, and applied leadership, equipping graduates for advancement across hospitality, food service, and related industries.
For more information visit https://unity.edu/distance-education/prostart-articulation-agreement/.
