YW Culinary Program
YW Culinary is a free 12-week, paid job training program, presented in partnership with Howard Area Community Center, 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
Questions? Email Juan Fuentes at jfuentes@ywca-ens.org
Upcoming Virtual Informational Sessions:
- Wed May 31 at 11 AM at YWCA Evanston/North Shore
- Mon June 5 at 1 PM at YWCA Evanston/North Shore
Upcoming Cohort
Summer 2023 Cohort Dates:
JULY 10 – SEPT 1, 2023
Class Schedule
- Mondays 10 am to 12 pm
- Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 10 am to 4 pm
Click here to learn more about the program
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.