MATTOON, Ill. (WAND) — LIFT (Leading Innovating for Tomorrow) is a learning hub for high school students across central Illinois. Through the center, students can gain dual credit, certifications, internships, credentials, and work-based experiences.
WAND News went to LIFT to learn more about the culinary arts program.
Facilitator Matthew Jacobs said program goes beyond what you might expect.
“We even go into the higher-end like managerial side like ordering, managing, running a kitchen, planning events, and with that we do a lot of community involved events,” said Jacobs.
For some students, it's their goal to one day operate their own restaurant. But for others, they're just taking the skills to see what opportunities are out there.
“I like to cook at home and do those sorts of things at home so that I can learn more about cooking there and here. They also have a lot of jobs that you can get just from doing this class as well and internships,” said high school senior, Peniel King.
Jacobs also wants students to leave with one more thing when they finish the course, and that's confidence.
“Seeing these students break out of these shells from back in August to now in October like they’re making phone calls to local community organizations. That is my thing like, it's just awesome to see that these students are developing these skills that are not just culinary based,” said Jacobs.
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