Piedmont Virginia Community College officials are hoping they can help students earn some cabbage by teaching them how to cook it, among other things.
The community college’s forthcoming culinary program will be among the tenants at the Jefferson School City Center. Curriculum development is currently underway.
“I think it’s a great opportunity to showcase a new program, a needed program, in the community,” said John Donnelly, vice president for instruction and student services. He said officials have hoped to launch such a program for well over a decade.
The nearest similar programs are in places such as the Shenandoah Valley and Lynchburg, he said.
In addition to classrooms and office space, the new facility will include one specially equipped classroom with a demonstration kitchen, said Donnelly.
Officials want to place graduates in a range of food-service jobs, from entry-level to chef and from supermarket to restaurant and resort.
“They’re going to be employable all over the place,” was Donnelly’s take.
The college’s administration had long wanted to start a culinary program, but had been prevented by space constraints, Donnelly said.
The program, which will start with 20 to 22 students but eventually run with 40 to 44 students, will be an associate’s degree program, with students also taking classes on subjects other than cooking. The majority, if not all of, the classes needed for the degree will be offered at the center, he said.
The move is being supported by donors. The Blue Moon Fund is helping with rent costs, and an anonymous donor is providing money that will pay for needed kitchen equipment and faculty costs.
The space is also being designed in conjunction with the space the Jefferson Area Board for Aging will occupy there. There are also possible plans to use one another’s kitchens when necessary.
Officials are also exploring the possibility of dual-enrollment with the Charlottesville-Albemarle Technical Education Center.
College officials hope to have the curriculum approved by July and the program up and running the following fall.
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