Students from Bronx Arena High School (BAHS) in Soundview recently participated in a weeklong Culinary Essentials cohort at Allie’s Place Center for Culinary Education & Employment, accompanied by their Assistant Principal, Ethan Knecht.
Bronx Arena High School is a transfer school serving under-credited students by supporting them as they re-engage with their education through flexible curriculums, group counseling, and paid Learn-to-Work internships. This collaboration at Allie’s Place provided students with the opportunity to explore hands-on culinary training in a professional environment.
Throughout the week, students worked closely with Chef Instructor Danny, Lead Chef Instructor Jayda, and Director of Culinary Education Gregorio, building foundational culinary skills while gaining confidence in the kitchen. The course emphasized practical techniques and active participation, allowing students to fully engage in the learning process.
Several students showed a strong interest in culinary career paths. One student explored an emerging passion for food photography by taking photos of various dishes in progress during the course. Two other students with prior culinary experience had the chance participate in a Barista pop-up led by Chef Jayda to further sharpen their skills.
At the end of the week, each student documented their learning experience as part of the course requirements for their school and received a certificate of completion from the Center along with a culinary-themed gift bag. Participation in the program also counted toward their academic credits for graduation.
Assistant Principal Knecht expressed appreciation for the partnership and noted the high level of student engagement throughout the week.
This collaboration also highlighted the strong connections between the Center and the local community. Lily, a recent graduate of the Culinary Center who also attended Bronx Arena High School, completed the Culinary program in 2025 after being referred by a school counselor. After training with Chefs Gregorio and Jayda, she secured her first culinary job at Orbital Kitchens, a software-powered cloud kitchen operating locations across New York City.
Located just blocks apart, Bronx Arena High School and Allie’s Place are excited to continue working together and expanding opportunities for students to explore careers in the food industry and to build skills for long-term success.
