Shaping Future Culinary Professionals with Real-World Experience and Industry Collaboration

Community Classroom Project (CCP) is excited to announce the launch of Dish It Out!, an Olympiad-style restaurant workforce competition that aims to identify and train the next generation of culinary talent. In collaboration with South Florida’s top chefs, culinary instructors and food entrepreneurs—and in partnership with the Palm Beach County School District—CCK has developed an innovative workforce training program that gives young foodies the tools they need to pursue careers in the culinary world.

“The restaurant industry is built on passion and grit, and Dish It Out! is our way of ensuring young culinary talent is given the guidance, training and real-world experience they need to succeed,” said Ali Kaufman, Founder of Community Classroom Project & Space of Mind. “We’re thrilled to launch this program and partner with industry leaders who are just as passionate about cultivating the next generation of hospitality professionals.”

More than just a competition, the Dish It Out! event will serve as a pipeline to careers in the restaurant and hospitality industries. Selected participants will earn a spot in one of two immersive Culinary Training Programs in the Summer and Fall of 2025. These programs will prepare participants for real-world restaurant careers through hands-on experience, mentorship, and career coaching.

“There’s no better way to learn than by doing,” said Chef Blake Malatesta, Founding Chef of Community Classroom Kitchen. “We’re giving these students a front-row seat to the realities of the restaurant business, from kitchen prep to guest service, so they can step into their first job with confidence. The goal is to help them discover where they shine and set them up for long-term success.”

Dish It Out! participants will take part in both front-of-house and back-of-house challenges that simulate the high-pressure environment of a restaurant. Back-of-house challenges include the Mise en Place Race, where participants must organize ingredients quickly and efficiently, and the Knife Skills Test, assessing their precision in chopping. On the front-of-house side, the Table Setting Relay will test their speed and accuracy, while the Order Taking Roleplay will challenge their ability to handle complex customer requests.

In addition to these hands-on technical skills, soft skills are critical for long-term success in the culinary world. Activities like the Teamwork Tower and Time Management Puzzle will help participants strengthen collaboration and planning abilities, while the Leadership Challenge gives them the opportunity to lead under pressure. At the Self-Care Station, students will focus on stress management techniques, preparing them for the fast-paced and demanding nature of the restaurant industry. These soft skills are essential not only for navigating day-to-day operations but also for fostering a mindset that leads to success in any culinary career.

The Dish It Out! competition is just the beginning of a structured workforce training pathway, which will span multiple stages, guiding participants toward long-term career success in the restaurant industry at CCP partners like Wine & Spirits Kitchen, Driftwood, DADA, Flybird Kitchen and more. This pathway includes:

• Restaurant Bootcamp: A one-day Olympiad-style event featuring both front- and back-of-house challenges.
• Restaurant Skills Workshop: Learn the fundamentals of restaurant operations and hospitality culture.
• Life Skills Workshop: Build essential workplace skills such as time management, communication, and teamwork.
• Meal Box Project: Gain hands-on experience preparing and distributing community meal boxes.
• Ghost Kitchen: Work in a student-run delivery kitchen, mentored by top local chefs.
• Restaurant Stages: Short apprenticeships at top local restaurants.
• Restaurant Job Placement: Graduates secure positions in local establishments.
• Career Coaching: Ongoing mentorship for long-term career success.
• Train the Trainer: Top graduates will be invited to mentor future program participants.

Generously funded by the Children’s Services Council and the Community Classroom Project’s JP Kline Culinary Arts Scholarship Fund, the program offers merit- and need-based scholarships to ensure accessibility for all aspiring chefs and hospitality professionals.

EVENT INFORMATION: 

When: Saturday, May 3, 2025 |  9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Where: The Hub at Space of Mind | 101 NW 1st Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33444

Who: Young aspiring chefs and hospitality professionals, ages 14-18, eager to launch their careers in the restaurant industry.

How to Apply: https://yourccp.org/dish-it-out/#apply

Applications are due by April 1, 2025. Selected candidates will be invited to participate in the competition for a chance to secure their spot in the program.

ABOUT THE COMMUNITY CLASSROOM PROJECT: The Community Classroom Project (CCP), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by Space of Mind, is rethinking education and reducing school-related stress. CCP connects students, parents, educators, schools, mental health providers and the community through experiential learning, entrepreneurship opportunities and scholarships. Their Community Classroom Kitchen (CCK) initiative enhances mental and physical health through cooking and communal dining while training the next generation of culinary professionals.

🌐 www.yourccp.org | 📍 Facebook | 📷 @communityclassroomproject

Media Contact: Destiny Beck | destiny@winditupmedia.com | 215.704.9554

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