The California Men’s Colony (CMC) recently celebrated a culinary arts graduation complete with a meal prepared by the incarcerated students.
This program is a collaboration between Cuesta College and CMC in San Luis Obispo.
The nine-week program teaches students the fundamentals of culinary arts such as baking science, food safety and more.
After graduating the program, participants will have the skills necessary to gain employment in the culinary field when they parole.
One culinary program graduate of the program said he came into the class not even knowing how to boil water. Now, he’s one of the main chefs at the campus.
“It’s given me confidence,” said Michael Avington. “(The instructor) and all the staff have provided me with the skills that I can take and not only provide delicious food for my family, but I can get into the industry when I get out of here.”
CMC has had 18 cohorts in the program to date with roughly 200 incarcerated students graduating.
Submitted by Lt. T. Eilers
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