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As part of the district’s 2021 bond, a new culinary center addition replaced the high school’s 1970s style kitchen with a state-of-the-art facility. New appliances and technology support innovative curriculum in the new instructional kitchen, which now provides students with on-campus access to technical programs that prepare students for real-world experiences after high school. An adjacent consumer-focused kitchen also teaches students important life skills. East Kentwood currently offers two levels of culinary arts classes: an introductory class for students to learn basic cooking techniques, measurements, nutrition, and safety; and another where students learn more advanced techniques and commercial-level cooking.
Th open café area includes a highly flexible collaboration space with seating that can be used for presentations, events, training, and student learning. The new culinary arts wing will eventually be used as a restaurant to train students in a commercial setting, with the goal of developing a high-level class for students to learn about restaurant management, cooking, and serving. The student-run Falcon Café counter will provide a space for the program to serve and sell their prepared food in the upcoming school year.
The culinary arts design features ample glass to invite views into the learning spaces. Kentwood’s colors are highlighted throughout the space, alongside high-end finishes, bring familiarity and pride to students who use the space. The space will be utilized by 600 students this year studying culinary arts.