Vocational culinary arts education for low-income and at-risk youth. Apply today!

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Cooking for a Purpose

We are dedicated to promoting the social, emotional and physical well being of children and families. Starting in 2009, we extended that dedication to children into adulthood with our first job training program. Rebekah's Culinary Academy helps "complete the loop," molding at-risk youth into disciplined, responsible adults.

Training in All Aspects of Culinary Arts

Rebekah's Culinary Academy prepares youth, ages 15-25, for a career in the hospitality industry. Our lead instructor, a professional chef, business owner and credentialed teacher, guides students through a 10 week course, with 3 hour sessions meeting twice per week. Students are trained in all aspects of culinary arts, including:

  • Knife skills and using professional equipment
  • Safety and sanitation
  • Kitchen measurement
  • An introduction to baking, meats and pastas
  • Team building, organization, marketing and interview skills
  • Self-esteem and self-discipline building

While in class, students are required to wear a provided culinary uniform, consisting of black pants, shoes and socks, a crisp white chef coat, white hat and 4-way waist apron. This helps students wear the part and build confidence in themselves through the work.

Internship Opportunities

At the conclusion of the course, high achieving students showing consistency and a dedication to culinary arts may have the opportunity for placement in an internship position at one of several exclusive restaurants where they will work directly with other professional chefs to further develop their talents.

Meet the Chefs

Elizabeth "Betty" Ewing - Culinary Instructor

Elizabeth has over 40 years of experience as a restaurant owner, starting with the Peach Cottage Restaurant in 1977. She opened the Blue Sky Café and Flower Bar in 1989, which was awarded 3 1/2 stars by the San Francisco Chronicle in 1992. Chef Betty has been a high school Culinary Arts Instructor for many years, currently with Gilroy High School.

In 1993, Elizabeth formed the nonprofit organization El Cajon Project, which helps at-risk youth from ages 16-19 graduate from high school and become product members of society through an innovated culinary arts training program. Over the course of the next 19 years, Ms. Ewing has been featured in over 50 news articles and reviews of the program.

 
Carlos Pineda - Baking Instructor

Rebekah's Culinary Academy's newest staff member, Baking Instructor Carlos Pineda is a Gilroy native and graduate of the Professional Culinary Institute in Campbell, CA. Chef Carlos previously worked as a head baker, pastry chef and restaurant manager for exclusive organizations in the Monterey Peninsula and surrounding area. He is also a Culinary Instructor at Rebekah Children's Services Phoenix Non-public High School.

Help support these programs!

Your support can help us provide vocational training to everyone who needs our help.

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Thank you for your support!

Rebekah Children's Services appreciates your support and partnership. Want to send your donation by mail or phone? Please visit the Contact page for more information.


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