My dad was recently featured in a higher education publication titled “The Chronicles of Higher Education". By the grace of GOD, he has overcome a lot of health challenges and decided to go back to college to pursue his second associates degree. He is currently 70 and his mind is extremely sharp. He enjoys taking courses and has always been big on education. A few weeks ago he told me about a FREE educational opportunity at the community college he attends regarding a Hospitality and Culinary Arts Program. Immediately after hearing him mention the word FREE I wanted to know more about the opportunity. He gave me a flyer for an informational session about the program that was taking place the next day. First thing, the next morning I contacted the program coordinator and reserved my space to attend the informational session.
One of my favorite passions is cooking. Several years ago I really took an interest in cooking and have often dreamed of getting some advanced training; however the courses were often quite costly and I was thinking now is not the time to go splurging and creating more debt. I had decided to place this dream on hold…only temporarily though.
After attending the informational session I learned some really great things about the program. Although, it’s too much to list here I have included information from the Prince George’s Community College website regarding this great opportunity. “Prince George's Community College was awarded $2.24 million from the U.S. Department of Labor to support the college's new Hospitality and Tourism Institute! The grant, known as "STEP HI," provides tuition for Hospitality Services Management and Culinary Arts one year certificate (31 credits) programs and Hospitality Express a non-credit program option that provides quick industry training for incumbent workers and individuals who are new to the hospitality industry. Hospitality Express may also lead to industry credentialing” (PGCC, 2009).
This must have truly been a blessing in disguise. God is blessing me with the opportunity to take advantage of something great! I have applied for acceptance to the program and I am on my way to having advanced training in culinary arts. I have enrolled in my first two courses which will begin next semester. I have the option of obtaining an Associates of Arts Degree in culinary arts or the option of obtaining a certificate in culinary arts. The best part about it all is that they will cover my tuition!
If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, please feel free to forward this article to others or you may wish to visit the Prince George’s Community College website here to obtain additional information.
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