Sprouts Chef Training, a Bay Area nonprofit that provides mentorship and culinary training to under-resourced youth, is preparing for its arrival to Philadelphia, writes Nate File for The Philadelphia Inquirer.
As part of the training, Sprouts participants are paired with professional, working chef mentors who guide them through a six-week paid internship at a restaurant.
“They‘re learning knife skills, they‘re on the prep line, and they‘re really considered a part of the team,” said Kari Cooper, development director for Sprouts Chef Training. “They’re seeing what all goes into really every aspect of the business.”
The goal is to give the mentees practice experience needed to begin careers in the culinary industry, which is notoriously competitive.
A group of Philadelphia hospitality leaders are working to raise funds and build support for the program.
The goal is to raise $40,000 by the end of the year to support the training and compensation for a cohort of Philly chef mentees in the spring of 2025.
Sprouts is planning to find its first Philly cohort through referral partners at nonprofits and other organizations that work directly with youth.
Read more about the Sprouts Chef Training program helping youth gain culinary experience in The Philadelphia Inquirer.
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