For immediate release
August 28, 2025
Contact: Jackie Herbstritt
Email: jackie@communityedcenter.com
Phone: 814-781-3437

Community Education Center concludes new cooking program for middle school students

The Community Education Center (CEC) launched a new program this summer – Jr. Chef’s of Elk County. The 3-day program ran 5 times from June to August. It offered middle schoolers with special education needs with the opportunity to learn basic cooking techniques, terminology, measurements, healthy meal planning, kitchen safety, cleaning, and serving etiquette. Students also learned about the variety of jobs available in food service. One parent commented that her son “really enjoyed the program. It got him out of the house and off his video games!” Anne Herzing was the program coordinator and reflected that “giving them guided independence, encouragement to step outside their comfort zone and watch the Jr. Chef’s grow within their independence was priceless.”

The program was hosted at Elcam, Inc. The CEC plans to offer the program again next summer. Interested students and parents are encouraged to inquire with their special education teachers to learn how to participate in next year’s program.

The CEC offers a variety of programs and classes for individuals of all ages. The CEC supported nearly 1,500 enrollments in courses and certification exams in the building last year. More than 8,000 engagements between students, teachers, parents, and employers were made possible through the CEC’s DISCOVER Partnership program. More information about the CEC can be found at http://www.communityedcenter.com, or by contacting the CEC at (814) 781-3437.

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Picture attached. Jr. Chef Rhea practices proper use of a knife and other kitchen utensils at the CEC’s Jr. Chef summer program.