Culinary Arts Training

CK prepares unemployed, underemployed, at-risk, and low-income Camden residents for professional success and economic independence.

Recent data from the National Restaurant Association reveals nine out of ten salaried restaurant employees started in hourly positions and 80% of restaurant owners/managers started in entry-level positions. Food services is an optimal industry for entry level workers to begin lifelong careers that will provide steady advancement – it’s an excellent opportunity for our students, 100% of whom are living with low or very low incomes and are at risk of homelessness and/or reincarceration.

Program Overview

The 15-week program is offered 3 times per year at no cost to our students – all materials and supplies are provided free of charge, including textbooks, uniforms, and shoes.
Academic classes are taught by CK and guest chefs and include on-site kitchen work segments and ServSafe Manager’s certification – we have an almost 100% pass rate for the ServSafe exam.
Wrap-around job readiness training is included, such as interpersonal training to develop students’ marketability.
A Social Worker helps each student with their individualized personal and professional issues to support their completion of the program and job placement upon graduation.
The program is accredited by the American Culinary Federation, ensuring it meets established standards and competencies in the industry.
Over 85% of graduates are employed within three months of graduation.