SETTING THE TABLE
FOR SUCCESS
We believe in the power of food and hospitality to transform young lives. That’s why we provide under-resourced high school students and adults with culinary arts education, job skills training, apprenticeships, scholarships, and career opportunities that position them for lifelong success.

OUR IMPACT
Annually
since 1990
Scholarships
Hired for Paid Internships
Across the US
CELEBRATED ALUMS
Building careers through food
Our methodology works, and to date we have uplifted close to 400,000 students and awarded $73 million in college scholarships. Many of our alumni are enjoying successful careers at award-winning restaurants and 5-star hotels around the globe.

One student
at a time.

One chef
at a time.

One opportunity
at a time.

Peter McQuaid
Class of 2016
A true culinary prodigy and James Beard Foundation Taste scholar, this “Chopped” Spin It To Win It champion is at the helm of celebrated Scottsdale eatery Cala.

Lester Walker
Class of 1998
A renowned culinary artist, storyteller and founder of the Bronx-born culinary collective Ghetto Gastro, Lester merges food, fashion, music, art and design.

Thiago Silva
Class of 2003
A Brazilian-born pastry chef based in New York and Boston, Thiago is celebrated for his innovative desserts and celebrity clientele.

Amar Santana
Class of 2000
A rising star in SoCal cuisine and multi “Chopped” contestant, Amar is successfully transforming the O.C. dining scene into a true food lover’s paradise.

Tianna Gee
Class of 2014
The star of YouTube’s “Cookin With Tee” and winner of Food Network’s “Its CompliPlated” and “Battle of the Decades”, Tiana’s career ranges from being the sous chef at Marcus Samuelsson’s Red Rooster to her heart-crafted pop up dinner series SoulPhil.

Maggie DeMarco
Class of 2015
The Chef de Cuisine at Telluride’s La Marmotte, Maggie’s culinary journey began in childhood and her training spans Michelin-starred establishments worldwide.

Carlton McCoy
Class of 2002
A master sommelier who has worked at some of the country’s most renowned restaurants, Carlton is now the CEO of Lawrence Wine Estates and Founder of the Roots Fund.

Brother Marcellus Luck IV
Class of 2001
A James Beard Award nominee and popular figure on cooking shows, Brother has three highly acclaimed restaurants in Colorado Springs.

Lasheeda Perry
Class of 2004
A renowned pastry chef and Food Network star, Lasheeda leads the pastry team at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel and formerly served as the executive pastry chef for Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta and Bon Appetit Management Company.