YouthWorks Expands Culinary Program to Empower At-Risk Youth in Santa Fe

SANTA FE, N.M. – YouthWorks is a program in Santa Fe that offers at-risk youth aged 16 to 24 the opportunity to gain hands-on training in three key areas: culinary, construction, and retail. Among these, the culinary branch has seen remarkable success, prompting plans for expansion. The program aims to double the number of youth it supports by upgrading an old building into a commercial kitchen and restaurant.

“Culinary is the most popular program we run,” said Justin Peters, YouthWorks Culinary Case Manager. “Currently, we lease a small kitchen to conduct our culinary program, but we are in the process of transforming our old building into a full-fledged commercial kitchen and restaurant. This will allow the students to learn even more advanced skills.”

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The students who join YouthWorks are typically high school dropouts seeking to continue their education and build a better future. “I dropped out of high school and didn’t want to stay that way,” said Xavier Grant, a YouthWorks Culinary Student. “So I looked for organizations that could help me get a job and go back to school. I’ve been here for about seven months, and I’ve learned almost all of math. I didn’t even know how to do division before, and now I’m starting calculus.”

The program is designed to give youth direction and keep them on the right path while preparing them for long-term success. In addition to educational and work opportunities, students receive a stipend during the program. “During this time, they learn a lot of soft skills like punctuality and customer interaction,” Peters explained. “We’re helping with more than just education and work; we look at the whole picture—housing, clothing, and other essentials they need.”

Students at YouthWorks spend part of their time in classroom learning as they prepare for their GED exam. The rest of the program involves on-the-job training in the kitchen, where they learn baking, cooking, and even cater events. Their work-based learning includes providing meals seven days a week to homeless shelters and senior centers in Santa Fe. Upon completion of the program, students receive assistance with job placement in the community.

“We provide them with a credential in food service, including a food handlers license,” Peters said. “This shows they’ve learned different aspects of the restaurant industry. Once they complete the program, we help them with their resume and connect them with partners in the community, such as hotels and restaurants.”

The program can last between three months to a year, depending on the student’s educational level when they enter. “We also work with the city, so they see how we operate,” said Giovanni Avila, a YouthWorks Culinary Student. “This allows me to apply later for a job with them because I want to get my CDL.”

YouthWorks students are currently preparing for their holiday bake sale fundraiser. Orders can be placed online by Friday at 1 p.m., with pickup scheduled for the following week.