Open Hand AtlantaCulinary Workforce Development
Open Hand's 11 week program prepares aspiring chefs and culinary professionals who are experiencing unemployment and underemployment for careers in the food service industry. Free of charge, the course gives apprentices the a full culinary school experience and more.
Individuals experiencing unemployment and underemployment who aspire to careers in food service · 11 week program; classes currently on a waitlist; Teaching Kitchen Monday through Thursday every week
From openhandatlanta.org/our-programs/stephen-woods-workforce-development-program ↗About this program
The Stephen Woods Culinary Workforce Development Program is designed to prepare aspiring chefs and culinary professionals who are experiencing unemployment and underemployment for careers in the food service industry.
Named after our visionary former Executive Director and launched in January 2025, this 11 week program gives apprentices the a full culinary school experience and more.
This program is ideal for individuals passionate about starting a career in the culinary industry, with a commitment to excellence in food service. Interested candidates will complete an application and, if approved, will be invited for an interview to assess their interest and readiness for the program. Once accepted, students must attend a mandatory orientation session to review program expectations and guidelines.
Our classes are currently on a waitlist, but we encourage you to fill out an interest form! We will follow up with you once received and let you know when you're able to move to the next phase of the application process for our next available session.
Program Details: Hands on Culinary Training in Real Kitchen Environments; ServSafe Training & Certification Testing; Catering Experience with Live Events; Nutrition Education with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist; Personal Development and Financial Literacy Training; Career Coaching and Job Readiness Support; Bus Passes; Free Chef Uniforms and Tools.
Questions
Who should I contact with questions about the program?
If you have any questions about the program, contact Kira Scott, Culinary Education and Innovation Manager, at KScott@OpenHandAtlanta.org.
Are classes accepting new students?
Our classes are currently on a waitlist, but we encourage you to fill out an interest form!
What is required to join the program?
Interested candidates will complete an application and, if approved, will be invited for an interview to assess their interest and readiness for the program. Once accepted, students must attend a mandatory orientation session to review program expectations and guidelines.
Details
- Who
- Individuals experiencing unemployment and underemployment who aspire to careers in food service
- When
- 11 week program; classes currently on a waitlist; Teaching Kitchen Monday through Thursday every week
Run by
Our Meal DeliveryOpen Hand is one of the largest community-based providers of medically tailored meals in the U.S. Our medically tailored meals are prepared, cooked, and delivered in an effort to improve health outcomes.Nutrition EducationIn addition to meals, many of Open Hand's clients receive tailored nutrition therapy, counseling, or classes for a full spectrum of care around their chronic illness.Nutrition ResourcesOpen Hand believes in nutrition for all, which is why we're committed to providing the community access to critical resources in the name of health equity. Each of the following recipes are approved by our experienced team of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists.