TRAINING ACADEMY
What is Pathway Cafe Academy?
Pathway Cafe Academy is a hands-on culinary and hospitality training program for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are interested in entering the workforce upon completion of the course.
The academy meets twice per week over a 12-week semester which features a combination of classroom learning and hands-on culinary experience.
Open to students ages 15 and above, this training program focuses on career training.
About Our Classes
Classes are held at The Market Center of the Ozarks, 821 E Emma, Springdale AR 72764.
Class is held on Tuesdays and Thursdays each week of the semester, class begins at 10am and ends at 3pm each day.
10:00am-11:45am Morning Classroom Session
12:00pm-12:30pm Lunch Break
12:30pm-3:00pm In the Kitchen!
Fall Semester Schedule
Our next cohort will begin September 15, 2026 and conclude December 10, 2026. In conjunction with Springdale school district, we will be off the week of Thanksgiving (November 23-27, 2026).
The Curriculum
Our curriculum includes adapted lessons from ServSafe, a food safety training and certification program for the restaurant industry offered through the National Restaurant Association. In addition, we learn different aspects of cooking, from tools to techniques, in chef-curated lessons where our students receive hands-on experience with daily recipes.
The curriculum is focused on providing entry level skills to students so they are ready to enter the workforce in the culinary or hospitality fields. Subjects covered in the Training Academy include:
Personal Responsibility | Communication | Attitude | Customer Service | Food Prep | Knife Skills | Baking | Bussing/Cleaning | Dishwashing| Industry and Work Specific Skills
As a part of the academy, graduates will have the opportunity to earn their ServSafe Food Handlers’ Certification.
Cost
The cost to attend is $1,800, which includes all materials, supplies, training, food and certifications.
How To Become A Student
Step 1 Fill out the Training Academy Application below
Step 2 Be contacted by a member of the Pathway team to schedule an in-person assessment and student interview
Step 3 Complete in-person assessment and student interview. Provide necessary supporting documents as communicated by the Pathway Team. Discuss payment options (the first payment must be made before the first day of attending the program)
Step 4 Determine if Pathway Cafe Academy is right for the student, then connect with your Pathway liaison to find out next steps
Step 5 Receive notice of program acceptance or recommendations and referrals
Step 6 Student begins Pathway Cafe Academy on scheduled semester start date
STUDENT APPLICATION:
Questions?
Contact us Here