Student Spotlight on Recent Graduates of Allie’s Place Center for Culinary Education & Employment: Neysha and William

Neysha and William recently graduated Allie’s Place Center for Culinary Education & Employment and are paving their way in the culinary world: both students were accepted into the First Course NYC Apprenticeship Program—a 14-week program that includes hands-on culinary instruction and a paid internship at a NYC restaurant.

“The First Course program is a great opportunity for Allie’s Place graduates to build on the foundation they develop at the Center for Culinary Education & Employment and furthers our graduates on their path to employment—which is one of our goals for students,” said Derrick Holman, Program Outreach Specialist at Allie’s Place.

A community partner referred Neysha to the Center, where she completed both Culinary Essentials 1 and Pastry Arts job-training courses. She expressed a keen interest in continuing her culinary education, working diligently to complete the courses and earn her NYC Food Handlers License. The Center provides study assistance and covers the fee for students who obtain the license.  Subsequently, she applied and was accepted to First Course NYC.

While attending courses at Allie’s Place Center for Culinary Education & Employment, William was experiencing homelessness. Despite his circumstances, he came to class prepared every day, committed to expanding his culinary knowledge and skillset. He has already begun the apprenticeship program and has been training at Misi—an Italian restaurant in Brooklyn.

“I’d like to thank the staff and my classmates at the Center for Culinary Education & Employment for supporting my goals, dreams, and career change from tattoo artist into the culinary field. Also, I’d like to give a shout out and a special thank you to Chef Greg—the coolest chef [on] this side of the solar system—whose humor and creativity gives each class a unique experience,” said William.

To learn more about the free courses, please browse the website or email the Culinary Team at Culinary@HFHnyc.org.