JCC receives grant to support culinary arts program

Submitted by JOHNSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE

SMITHFIELD — Johnston Community College is receiving $310,260 from the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges to support a Culinary Arts program.

The state board approved the amount as part of a $5 million allocation to assist in the creation of high-cost workforce programs at 14 North Carolina community colleges. The funding is aimed at building capacity for workforce training in high-demand occupations across the state.

The grant makes it possible for JCC to extend its already popular Culinary Arts continuing education program into an Associate in Applied Science degree program by supporting new faculty and equipment.

“We thank the state board for awarding these funds. We know that this program will open new doors for our students and will contribute to Johnston County’s economy,” JCC President Dr. Vern Lindquist said.

“The culinary arts program will provide a strong foundation in food preparation, baking, food service management, and entrepreneurship,” added Vice President of Instruction Dr. Camille Reese.

The Culinary Arts curriculum program is scheduled to begin admitting students in the fall of this year, pending approval.