TRAINING ACADEMY
What is Pathway Cafe Training Academy?
Pathway Cafe Training 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 in Springdale.
Class is two days a week. On Tuesdays and Thursdays each week of the semester, class begins at 10am and ends at 3pm each day.
10:00am-11:45pm Morning Session
12:00 pm-1:00pm Lunch Break
1:00pm-3:00pm Afternoon Session
The Curriculum
The curriculum is provided by the Hugs Training Academy based in McKinney Texas. Hugs Cafe has over 10 years of experience in this training and hiring of people with disabilities. This curriculum is endorsed by the National Restaurant Association.
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. Subject 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 receive their Food Handler’s certification upon successful completion of the requirements .
Summer Semester Schedule
Our next cohort will begin June 2, 2026 and conclude August 6, 2026, we will have four Wednesday sessions to complete the 120 hour course. We are now accepting applications.
Cost
The cost to attend is $1,200 and 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 Receive notice of program acceptance or recommendations and referrals
Step 5 Student begins Pathway Cafe Training Academy on scheduled semester start date
STUDENT APPLICATION:
Questions?
Contact us Here