Submitted by Grays Harbor College
In fall 2016, Grays Harbor College will offer a Commercial Food Prep and Service program, instructed by Keya Erickson. Keya earned an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Walla Walla Community College and has worked in several commercial food settings.
Students in both Grays Harbor and Pacific counties are encouraged to enroll in this new program, which will be easily accessed at three locations. The lecture part of the program will be delivered through interactive television (ITV) from the main campus in Aberdeen to the education centers in Raymond and Ilwaco, and the college is currently seeking part-time instructors for the two off-campus sites. The “hands-on” part of the program will take place at the senior centers in Aberdeen, Raymond, and Ilwaco. Food prepared by the students will be served to the senior citizens using the three centers.
This is a unique partnership with the College and CCAP, arranged by Nancy Estergard, GHC’s Coordinator for the Business and Community Education, and Stephanie Glover, Senior Nutrition Coordinator at CCAP.
The Commercial Food Prep program has been approved for financial aid. The core courses will take students 3 quarters to complete. Once students complete additional support courses, they will receive a certificate of completion. Graduates will then be prepared to enter the workforce for positions at restaurants, business cafeterias, school kitchens, with caterers, and any place where food is prepared and served.
“Food service businesses in both Grays Harbor and Pacific counties have indicated that they need qualified food prep employees, that they have employment needs that go unmet,” explains Estergard. “We are very pleased to be partnering with CCAP and helping need the needs of senior citizens as a result.”
“Students are going to really enjoy learning from Keya Erickson. She is very knowledgeable and an interesting instructor,” Estergard adds.
To enroll in Commercial Food Prep, contact Estergard at 360-538-4012 or email her at nancy.estergard@ghc.edu.
