LA Cocina Culinary Youth Training Program

LA Cocina Culinary Youth Training Program provides young people ages 16 -24 from under-resourced communities with job-ready skills to enter the restaurant and hospitality industry. The bilingual curriculum offers hands-on cooking classes, introducing students to the basics of kitchen safety and recipe execution. Students complete the course with a working resume and an opportunity to take the California ServSafe exam to better prepare for the workforce.

This program is free of charge and includes the ServSafe test and printed course materials. A transportation stipend is also available. Students are invited to participate in networking events with chefs, restaurateurs, and culinary schools. Professional development resources are also included.

The Culinary Youth Training Program is made possible by the SNAP Foundation and the PepsiCo Foundation.

2026 PROGRAM SCHEDULE

All classes take place on Tuesdays and Wednesdays unless otherwise noted.

Winter I
February 17–March 18 | 5–7 pm

Spring I
March 24–April 22* | 5–7 pm

*One of the classes takes place on a Thursday due to a holiday.

Spring II – Baking
April 28–May 27 | 5–7 pm

Summer I
June 9–July 8 | 5–7 pm

Applications for the final four cohorts of the year will open on May 1

Summer II – Accelerated!
July 14–August 7* | 11 am–1 pm

*The last week meets Tuesday–Friday

Fall I – Baking
August 18–September 16 | 5–7 pm

Fall II
September 22–October 21 | 5–7 pm

Winter II
October 27–December 2* | 5–7 pm

*One of the classes takes place on a Thursday due to a holiday.

LA Cocina Culinary Youth Training Program

2026 PROGRAM SCHEDULE

APPLICATION PROCESS

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