The Culinary Career Institute is designed to empower teenagers by providing an academic path to a post-secondary education through a culinary venue. Academic and professional skills necessary for success in other fields are also provided. During a 10-week program, teenagers will learn culinary skills in the Montclair State University kitchen. The students will transition from learning basic culinary and food safety skills to more complex principles of nutrition, healthy eating, and corollary learning experiences in math, microbiology, and culture. They will dress in uniforms and act in a way that encourages professional behavior and critical thinking. The teenagers will also interact with college student peers and mentors.

 

During the Culinary Career Institute, participants will complete in-class, hands-on, food laboratory assignments and prepare homework assignments based on the instruction given for that week. Participants will also engage in a final project to develop the following skill sets:  creative culinary art skills, nutrition, food safety, multi-cultural appreciation, customer service and professional management capabilities.

 

Upon completion of the Project Life Culinary Career Institute, students will receive a certificate of completion making them eligible to work in paid culinary service positions over the summer, mainly by operating a food concession stand in Glenfield Park during the summer. Co-sponsored by the Montclair Neighborhood Development Corporation and Essex County Park System, students will be able to participate in the Summer Culinary Entrepreneurial Project by developing a business plan and operating during the summer a food concession stand/cafe in Glenfield Park.

 

Spring 2016 classes will take place on Fridays, April 22 - June 19, from 5 - 8 p.m. at Montclair State University, 1 Normal Avenue, Montclair. To participate, students must be 15 years or older. Click here to register.