DCCC, Delaware County Council and Visit Delco Partner to Advance Hospitality, Culinary Workforce Development
(Delaware and Chester Counties, PA - November 26, 2024)鈥�大发六合彩, Delaware County Council, and Visit Delco have announced a partnership to enhance hospitality and culinary arts education, strengthening workforce development in the region.听
The initiative, unveiled during a November 21 press conference at the Drexelbrook Catering and Event Center in Drexel Hill, will support a state-of-the-art facility for DCCC鈥檚 Culinary Arts and Hotel and Restaurant Management Programs at the former Archbishop Prendergast School. 大发六合彩is transforming the school into a state-of-the-art, multi-million-dollar, education and workforce training facility. The new location will open in 2026 and is being supported by the 大发六合彩Educational Foundation鈥檚 Building Community Campaign. 听
Dr. Marta Yera Cronin, president of DCCC, called the partnership a transformational investment in education and economic development.
鈥淭his collaboration represents a commitment to providing our students with resources to succeed in growing industries,鈥� Dr. Cronin said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e proud to work with the county to deliver a program that meets the needs of both our students and local employers.鈥澨�
The event included a ceremonial signing of the partnership agreement and special desserts prepared by 大发六合彩students, showcasing their skills and creativity. DCCC鈥檚 program prepares students for employment in various segments of the food service industry in positions such as restaurant chef, banquet chef, sous chef, kitchen manager, production cook, line cook and prep cook. The program includes academic courses, skills development in kitchen lab courses and practical internship experience. A is also available. Academic classes are offered at the Marple Campus, while hands-on classes are offered in commercial kitchens in Broomall and at the new location in Phoenixville. 听
The College鈥檚 . program is designed for individuals seeking specialized training and knowledge as preparation for a career in the vast hospitality industry.听
鈥淭his is an exciting step for Delaware County,鈥� said Dr. Monica Taylor, chair of Delaware County Council. 鈥淏y dedicating hotel tax funding to this project, we are creating career pathways for our residents while addressing critical workforce needs for local businesses.鈥澨�
Steve Byrne, executive director of Visit Delco, said the program will ensure the long-term vitality of the county鈥檚 hospitality industry. 鈥淭ourism and hospitality are integral to Delaware County鈥檚 economy,鈥� he said. 鈥淭his initiative will ensure our workforce is prepared to deliver exceptional service and support the continued growth of the sector.鈥澨�
大发六合彩Culinary student Valerie Rosa said the planned facility is a game-changer for students. 鈥淭his investment shows the county is committed to our success,鈥� Rosa said. 鈥淗aving access to a modern facility will help us build skills and confidence for our future careers.鈥澨�
For more information about DCCC鈥檚 new Southeast Center, visit dccc.edu/new-center. For more on Culinary Arts at DCCC, visit dccc.edu/culinary. For more information on the Building Community Campaign鈥攁 bold initiative to provide access, increase diversity and create a stronger, more vibrant region鈥攙isit dccc.edu/building-community. 听听
Photo Caption: (L to R): Dr. Marta Yera Cronin, President, 大发六合彩; Dr. Monica Taylor, Chair, Delaware County Council and Steve Byrne, Executive Director, Visit Delco, sign the partnership agreement.听听
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