Culinary Arts
Students will learn the fundamentals of basic cookery and expand to creating gourmet foods, artistic presentations, and become part of a team that creates a recipe for success in the hospitality industry. As more Americans are eating out, culinary careers continue to grow at a steady pace. The need for high level food preparation, event planning, management, and leadership skills are in demand. Working in restaurants and other eateries are steady sources of employment.
Program Description
Students in the LISD TECH Center’s Culinary Arts program learn to manage real-world kitchen challenges in a classroom that doubles as a commercial kitchen and is fully equipped with institutional cooking equipment. Cooking, baking, management, and safety and sanitation practices are the focus of the program. Students will learn to create recipes, prepare meals from scratch, perform basic daily kitchen operations including cost controls, inventory and ordering. Students are involved in planning and coordinating several events throughout the year and cater meals at the LISD TECH Center. This program helps develop leadership skills through these events as well as participation in several competitions.
To Be Successful
Successful students work independently or as a team member. Having access to internet, good communication skills, motivation to move with a purpose, and the ability to manage time effectively also are helpful skills. Students must have good attention to detail as well as high cleanliness and professional behavior standards.
Student Organizations
ProStart
DECA
Program Success Indicators
Academic
- Perform basic math skills such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, measurement, weights, and conversions
- Read and understand written material
- Follow, understand, and implement written and verbal instructions
- Complete and submit assignments within the given time frame
- Perform basic word processing and computer skills
Interpersonal
- Follow rules and directions in the classroom and around power tools and equipment
- Work independently and as a team player
- Maintain a positive attitude; respectful to others
- Adhere to professional standards of dress and behavior
- Self-motivated, stay on task, good organizational skills, excellent class attendance, demonstrate flexibility
- Communicate with others in a small group or a large, public setting
- Able to work under pressure and multitask
Program Specific
- Interest in one of the following career fields: culinary, marketing, management, travel & tourism, or entrepreneurship
- Be aware of food allergies, dietary constraints, inability to touch raw meat products or any other issues that would prohibit preparing or tasting ANY types of food
- Environment: Willing to work in a fast-paced environment, hot or cold conditions, using sharp knives, exposure to loud machinery, chemicals, fire, and hot grease
- Manipulate small tools with precision
- Stand for a period of 3 hours or longer
- Lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
- Enjoy working with others and outside customers
- Attend after school events and/or student organizations
Related Careers
Note: Additional education may be required.
- Chef
- Executive chef
- Short-order cook
- Line cook
- Dishwasher
- Restaurant Manager
- Server
High School Credit*
*The LISD TECH Center recommends the academic credit listed. Credit can only be awarded by local districts.
- 1.0 4th Math
- 1.0 Visual, Performing, & Applied Arts
- 1.0 3rd Science (in lieu of)
- 1.0 World Languages (in lieu of)
- 1.0 Online Learning Experience
College Credit Opportunities*
*College credit can only be awarded by the college or university. Certain requirements must be met outside of completing the program.
- Baker College
- Davenport University
- Ferris State University
- Jackson College
- Siena Heights University
- Sullivan University
- Washtenaw Community College
Certification Opportunities
- ServSafe Manager
- Lenawee County Food Handlers Certification
- You Science exam - Culinary Arts
Instructor
Matt Campbell is excited to join the LISD team. With over 20 years of industry experience, Chef Matt is also pursuing a business venture of owning/operating a food truck. From Toledo, Ohio, Chef Matt spent his youth enjoying summers in the Onsted area and going to YMCA Storer Camps. Some hobbies include doing anything outdoors, gardening/landscaping, team sports, and taking family vacations in Northern Michigan.
Chef Matt is looking forward to working with students, sharing experiences, exploring industry trends, and networking opportunities to build a foundation within the community.
Teacher Assistant
Helen Thomas worked at NIMC hospital for about five years before moving to Michigan. She baked pastries for small, catered parties and businesses while staying home to raise her children. Helen worked for the Moveable Feast as their pastry chef from 2008-2012. She began as a teacher assistant at the LISD TECH Center in the Culinary Arts program in January 2013.
