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.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE
Winter 2025
February 4 to March 12, Tuesday and Wednesday – 5pm to 7pm
Spring 2025
March 18 to April 23, Tuesday and Wednesday – 5pm to 7pm
Spring II 2025
April 29-May 28, Tuesday and Wednesday – 5pm to 7pm
Summer I 2025
June 10-July 9, Tuesday and Wednesday – 5pm to 7pm
Summer II 2025
July 15-August 8, Tuesday and Wednesday – 11am to 1pm *
Fall I 2025
August 19-Sept 16, Tuesday and Wednesday – 5pm to 7pm
Fall II 2025
Sept 30-Oct 29, Tuesday and Wednesday – 5pm to 7pm
Winter 2025
Nov 4-Dec 10, Tuesday and Wednesday – 5pm to 7pm
* Students participating in Summer II Cohort will be requested to attend on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday only during the last week of their period.
APPLICATION PROCESS
The application process for the Culinary Youth Training Program is now open. Applicants can choose one cohort, each lasting five weeks with two sessions per week.
Applicants must be between the ages of 16 and 24 at the time of application and should not hold a ServSafe Certification or a Food Handler’s Certificate.
For questions, contact us by email at [email protected] or by phone at (323) 397-8365.
Apply Here!







