Further, this past year was also our most successful for our Culinary Training Program. In July, our sixth and largest class yet, saw 15 students graduate. In mid-December, our second class of 2025 saw an additional 15 successful graduates complete the program! Our team keeps in touch with the students, and 83% of these graduates are currently employed in the hospitality industry in Orange County. Our graduates show new confidence, increased personal accountability, and the self-assurance to succeed in a professional setting, opening doors to continued education, advanced training, or even entrepreneurship. This transformation is especially powerful for students who have faced poverty, systemic barriers, and/or trauma. We are grateful to our supporters who make this impactful, human-centered workforce development program possible.
The Future is Working is a collaborative effort of several Orange County non-profits that are dedicated to helping develop a stronger workforce. On April 2nd, Bracken’s Kitchen hopes to raise over $150,000! The Culinary Training Program at Bracken’s Kitchen is currently in its eighth session, training 16 students in culinary arts to prepare them for careers in hospitality. Our 22-week, 100% free program combines classroom learning with hands-on experience in a professional kitchen, as well as placement in an internship with a local restaurant.
Here's where you come in: Every donation – big or small – brings us one step closer to making a difference. Whether it’s:
$25, which helps us print the materials the students need for their classroom time
$50, which purchases their uniforms for the semester
$100, which helps us to purchase food for them to work with in the kitchen (which in turn is used in community meals)
Or $1,000, which purchases equipment and supplies for the training kitchen
Even if you’re not able to donate right now, sharing this message with your friends or family would be so appreciated. The more people we reach, the bigger difference we can make!