Mandy Burger

Burger’s innovative teaching idea, “Culinary Arts Workforce Training Kitchen,” involves renovating and modernizing the school’s culinary classroom into a commercial training kitchen designed to mirror professional culinary learning environments. Currently serving more than 200 students annually, the program prepares students for careers in culinary arts, hospitality and food service through hands-on learning and industry certification opportunities. Burger believes the renovation will also enhance the program’s student-run catering and Take-n-Bake businesses that provide real-world entrepreneurship and business management experience and will expand the program’s ability to provide career-focused culinary education and strengthen community engagement. Ultimately, the project will transform the classroom serving students in the Family and Consumer Sciences Program into a Culinary Workforce Training Center, equipping them with practical skills and meaningful hands-on experience that supports future careers in the culinary and hospitality industries. The Voya grant will go towards a commercial worktable, sheet pan racks, cutting boards and knife sets.