YW Culinary

YW Culinary is a free 12-week, paid job training program designed to prepare students for success in Chicagoland’s vibrant food service industry. The program is available to traditionally underrepresented or vulnerable populations, such as women of color, survivors of domestic violence, and low-wage workers.

The training is welcoming to those without a high school diploma or GED and individuals who are 18 years of age or older who are interested in a sustainable career in the food service industry.

YW Culinary Students:

  • Develop culinary and food service skills

  • Earn a paid stipend while learning

  • Receive hands-on experience preparing bulk meals for YWCA’s Mary Lou’s Place domestic violence shelter

  • Develop employment skills such as communication skills, interview practice, and resume writing

  • Earn a ServSafe Food Handler and Manager’s Certificate

  • Have access to YWCA financial education resources and workshops like Basic Money Management

  • Gain industry knowledge and learn from guest chefs

  • Receive job placement and retention assistance

After completing 8 weeks of the YW Culinary program, students participate in a 4-week internship in the YWCA kitchen, where interns will:

  • Take the lead in meal planning

  • Have hands-on experience preparing evening meal for our shelter

Class Schedule  

  • Mondays 10 am to 12 pm

  • Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 10 am to 4 pm 

Upcoming Cohort Schedule


2024 Winter Session
Workforce Training: January 8 – March 1
Internship: March 4 – March 29

2024 Spring Session
Workforce Training: April 8 – May 31
Internship: June 3 – June 29

Check out our Eventbrite page to see if there are any upcoming info sessions. Questions? You can always email Juan Fuentes, Workforce Development Manager, at jfuentes@ywca-ens.org

  • Curriculum Snapshot

    In this program you will learn:

    Culinary Skills

    • Develop knife skills and cooking techniques.

    • Prepare recipes and menus.

    • Connect and cook alongside classmates

    • Earn your ServSafe Food Handler’s Certification.

    Employability/Soft Skills

    • Career Development – Create an individualized career development plan while enhancing your skills in communication, interviewing and networking.

    • Industry Knowledge – Gain industry knowledge by connecting with local employers, industry experts and business owners.

    • Empowerment – Learn about workers’ rights, wage negotiation and tools you can use to feel empowered while reaching your employment goals.

    “Even though we are not in a traditional setting, being in the class keeps me hopeful. Because I still feel like I’m working on my future.” – YW Culinary participant

  • YW Culinary is available to traditionally underrepresented or vulnerable populations, such as women of color, survivors of domestic violence, and low-wage workers.

    The training is welcoming to those without a high school diploma or GED and individuals who are 18 years of age or older who are interested in a sustainable career in the food service industry.

    YW Culinary will prioritize the following candidates for enrollment:

    • those who are interested in a food service career

    • Chicagoland area residents

    • those who have not completed a bachelor’s degree

    • those who have received a referral through a partner agency

    All students must be fully vaccinated against COVID 19 and show proof of vaccination.

  • There are a variety of ways to partner with us virtually:

    • Hire YW Culinary graduates

    • Share your expertise as a Guest Chef

    • Participate on employer panel discussions

    • Participate in mock interviews

    • Give a virtual tour of your commercial kitchen

    Are you an employer looking for qualified culinary staff? Partner with us to connect with candidates with a ServSafe Food Handler certificate who are professional and have a proven commitment to working in the food service industry.

    Previous YW Culinary partners include:

    • Mather

    • District 65

    • District 202

    • Whole Foods

    • General Mills

    • Ace Hotel – Chicago

    • Yo Fresh Yogurt

    • Whole & Free Foods, LLC – Every Body Eat

    • Main-Dempster Mile

    Contact Kristin Drake for more information.

  • According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment of food service managers is projected to grow 15 percent from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations. With an increase in competition for workers, food service wages have climbed between 6% and 10% for many restaurants.

    Employees in the food service industry can work in a variety of settings from large industrial kitchens to small bakeries. This field provides flexible hours to accommodate child and family care. There’s no shortage of restaurants, you can move anywhere and find work!

  • Most entry level food service workers start as cooks. However, there are many possibilities for advancement, both in a restaurant and in the food service industry. These include:

    • Food service manager/shift lead: median yearly salary $50,000

    • Chef: median yearly salary $56,000

    • Restaurant general manager: median yearly salary $59,000

    • Hospitality manager: median yearly salary $63,000

    Click here to read more about possibilities in food service!

  • YW Culinary aligns with the mission of YWCA by empowering students to achieve their career goals. Additionally, just as racism is prevalent is all aspects of society, it also impacts the food industry. Over 75% of restaurant managers are white. YW Culinary supports BIPOC students by giving them the resources and training they need to advance in the food industry.

  • YWCA’s culinary training program is your solution. Partner with us to connect with candidates with a ServSafe Food Handler certificate who are professional and have a proven commitment to working in the food service industry.

    Contact Juan Fuentes for more information.

“YW Culinary has been the best thing that has happened to me.”
— 2019 Graduate