Chicago Pizzeria Partners with CPS for Student Kitchen Training

In Chicago, a pizzeria has been actively involved in teaching culinary skills to local high school students as part of an after-school program. For the past four years, Adrian Zamudio, the pizzeria owner, has hosted students from Chicago Public Schools to provide them hands-on experience in the kitchen. This initiative allows students not only to learn how to make pizza but also to gain essential life skills such as teamwork and communication that are crucial in any job. The effort represents an innovative approach to workforce development, giving students a taste of potential career paths in the culinary world. Students participating in the program highlight its significance in helping them build confidence in their cooking abilities. For instance, 14-year-old Maya Paz looks forward to impressing her mother through her newfound cooking skills, while 17-year-old Jesus Contreras is exploring a career in cooking, which aligns with his interests and passion. Hosting pizza-making parties where families gather and enjoy their creations also serves to strengthen community ties and makes learning more enjoyable. Zamudio believes the program opens numerous opportunities for students, potentially leading to summer jobs or inspiration to open their own businesses in the future. The environment encourages creativity and hard work, instilling values that students carry beyond the kitchen. Overall, this initiative exemplifies how local businesses can collaborate with educational institutions to provide practical experience, ultimately benefiting the students and the restaurant industry as a whole.