Cooking Up Careers: ATV Culinary Day

City of Charlotte Encourages Youth Exploration of Career Paths

Young students in Charlotte had the opportunity to explore different career paths at the recent Alternatives to Violence (ATV) Culinary Day event organized by the City of Charlotte’s Housing and Neighborhood Services department. The event aimed to inspire young people aged between 13 and 15 to consider careers in the culinary arts and provided hands-on experience, valuable information, and insights into job opportunities within the field.

Event Overview:

The ATV Culinary Day was a collaborative effort involving the ATV youth programs team, Inlivian, Chef Geo of Urban Sauce Connection, and Food Lion. The event took place at Southside Homes and offered participants an immersive experience in the culinary arts.

Purpose of the Event:

Dr. Raquishela Stewart, Deputy Director of Housing and Neighborhood Services, highlighted that the event aimed to help young people understand the various career opportunities available to them. The goal is to make such events a regular occurrence to introduce young individuals to a wide range of career options, starting with different communities in Charlotte.

Culinary Arts Career Opportunities:

Participants learned about the diverse career paths within the culinary arts field, including roles as private chefs, kitchen managers, and food truck owners. The field offers the potential to earn up to $100,000 annually and teaches valuable skills such as teamwork and patience.

Supporting Partners:

The success of the event was made possible by the support of partners such as Inlivian, Urban Sauce Connection, and Food Lion. Inlivian provided the space and kitchen facilities for the event, while Food Lion contributed to the purchase of ingredients. Chef Geo’s expertise and passion for cooking were instrumental in inspiring the young participants to explore their culinary interests.

Insights and Testimonials:

Chris Campbell from Inlivian emphasized the importance of events like ATV Culinary Day for young people, stating that many kids are unaware of the various career opportunities available to them. He highlighted the significance of introducing young individuals to realistic career paths and perspectives, such as those in the culinary arts.

Chef Geo’s Perspective:

Chef Geo shared his passion for culinary arts and the impact of food as a universal language. He emphasized how food brings communities together and helps individuals communicate, creating a positive environment for sharing and connection.

Culinary Creations:

During the event, young chefs experimented with different toppings and flavor combinations for their pizzas. While some opted for traditional pepperoni, others explored BBQ chicken and colorful veggie options, showcasing their creativity and culinary skills.

In Conclusion

The ATV Culinary Day event in Charlotte provided young participants with a unique opportunity to explore the culinary arts field, discover potential career paths, and gain valuable insights into the world of food and cooking. The collaborative effort and support from partners and mentors made the event a success, inspiring young individuals to consider a future in the culinary industry.