Center For Culinary Excellence Unveiled With Ribbon-Cutting

Posted March 27, 2024 at 3:37 pm

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College unveiled its Center for Culinary Excellence at a ribbon-cutting event on Wednesday, March 27, in its new downtown Johnstown location.

The initial class using the Center for Culinary Excellence consists of students from the Greater Johnstown School District participating in an early college program through dual enrollment. The Center will be open to the public for those seeking an associate degree or certificate in culinary arts beginning with the Fall 2024 semester, which starts in August.

“What a great moment for Pennsylvania Highlands Community College, Johnstown High School, and most importantly, those interested in making a career in the field of culinary arts,” stated Dr. Steve Nunez, Penn Highlands Community College President. “This initiative would not have been possible without collaboration from the 1889 Foundation, the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies, the Greater Johnstown School District, and Intrignia, Inc. Great things can happen in Johnstown when we work together.”

A grant from the 1889 Foundation helped purchase some of the modern equipment needed for the Center for Culinary Excellence while the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies donated $30,000 to provide scholarships for second-year students in the culinary arts program.

The Greater Johnstown School District plans to send a new class of dual enrollment students annually.

“This program provides a new career pathway for Penn Highlands students,” stated Erica Reighard, Penn Highlands Dean of Faculty. “It prepares them for jobs that are in demand within the local community. Students will be prepared for entry-level and management positions within the food service industry. They will receive a general business management foundation, as well as advanced culinary skills, including baking and pastry.”

Students who complete the full two-year program will receive an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts. The curriculum will consist of multiple culinary, business, and general education courses, along with an internship during the final semester.

For the internship, the students will work at multiple restaurants in the Johnstown area, rotating two weeks at each location until the hourly requirement is fulfilled. Around a dozen local restaurants have shown interest in hosting students.

Students who began their program at a career and technical center can transfer up to four classes into Culinary Arts at Penn Highlands Community College.

Pictured left to right: Cambria County Commissioner Scott Hunt, 1889 Foundation President Susan Mann, Community Foundation of the Alleghenies President and Executive Director Mike Kane, Greater Johnstown School District Superintendent Dr. Amy Arcurio, Pennsylvania Highlands President Dr. Steve Nunez, Cambria County Commissioner Keith Rager, City of Johnstown Mayor Frank Janakovic, Cambria County Commissioner Tom Chernisky, and Pennsylvania Highlands Board of Trustees Chairperson Greg Winger.