SANFORD, NC - Bragg Street Academy welcomed students, staff and community members to the grand opening of their newly refurbished Culinary Arts classroom. The upgraded space was made possible by the Innovative Partnership Grant which is providing a total of $867,000 of funding over three years.
The grant will be used to enhance the entire school, but the Culinary Arts Room was determined to be the first phase of the project. In the past, the students and staff often relied on their own resources to complete simple projects in the kitchen due to a lack of supplies and equipment. However, in addition to all new kitchen appliances, cooktops, and modern industrial kitchen equipment, the grant has provided a fully renovated culinary space equipped with all the tools necessary for success.
"Our staff is deeply passionate about making a difference in the lives of our students and helping them move forward with useful life skills," said Chef Diana Wilson. “We are so grateful for the opportunity to provide these students with the resources and opportunities they need to be successful.”
The Culinary Arts program does not simply stop for students with the end of their time at Bragg Street Academy. The program is designed to enhance their culinary and soft skills while facilitating a smooth transition into a culinary program at Central Carolina Community College. Taking the Culinary or Baking Classes at BSA is the first step in a post-high school pathway where students can pursue Career and Technical Training at Central Carolina Community College through certificate programs, an associate’s degree, or prepare for entry into the workforce through continuing education.
“This Culinary Arts Room marks the first step in a three-part Innovative Partnership Grant initiative, which will also include programs in Health & Fitness Science and Automotive Systems Technology,” said Cameron McNeill, the school coach for the Innovative Partnership Grant at Bragg Street Academy. “The LCS Maintenance Department has done great work to make this space more welcoming and functional for students. We are excited about these new and expanded opportunities for our students. We truly believe that it will make a difference in their education and in their lives.”
