Your Next Chapter Can Start Here.
EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute provides hands-on culinary and hospitality training for formerly incarcerated adults ready to work, learn and build a career.
You Do Not Need Experience. You Need the Willingness to Begin.
EDWINS is open to formerly incarcerated adults who are ready to commit themselves to learning, working and building a future in hospitality.
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Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
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No minimum education level is required. You do not need a diploma, degree or previous culinary training to apply.
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No previous restaurant experience is required. EDWINS is here to teach.
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Applicants may come from any geographic location. Applicants traveling to Cleveland are responsible for their own transportation and temporary accommodations.
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No criminal-background documentation is required as part of the application.
Four Steps to Get Started.
The process is straightforward. We want to meet you, understand your goals and make sure you understand what the program requires.
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01
Apply
Complete the online application or begin the process in person during Friday open enrollment.
Apply Online → -
02
Attend Open Enrollment
Visit EDWINS at 12383 Cedar Road on Friday at 9:00 AM. Bring a valid ID and be prepared to complete enrollment information.
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03
Interview
After applying, prospective students are given an interview date. Interviews are generally held before the start of the next available class.
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04
Begin Training
Students selected for the program are contacted by EDWINS with their cohort information, schedule and everything needed to begin.
The Tools to Learn the Craft.
Cost should not be the thing standing between a student and an opportunity.
Tuition
Students do not pay tuition to participate in the EDWINS training program.
Uniforms
Required training uniforms are provided so students can arrive prepared to work.
Books & Materials
Educational materials, books and training supplies needed for the program are provided.
Real Experience
Students train in professional hospitality environments where standards, teamwork and service matter.
Show Up Ready.
EDWINS is designed to create opportunity, but the work belongs to the student. Training is intensive and the expectations are real.
Students must be ready to arrive on time, participate fully, work as part of a team and meet EDWINS attendance and professional standards.
Class and training schedules vary by cohort and by stage of the program. The current schedule and attendance requirements are reviewed during enrollment and before each class begins.
- Be on time.
- Be sober and ready to participate.
- Work hard.
- Accept coaching.
- Support your classmates.
- Meet attendance expectations.
- Learn every day.
We Know Life Does Not Stop When Class Begins.
Students may face challenges far beyond the kitchen. EDWINS works to help remove the barriers that can stand between someone and graduation.
Housing & Stability
Learn about the Second Chance Campus and the resources available to help students build stability while completing training.
Explore the Campus →Support for Families
Eligible EDWINS families may have access to childcare and family resources designed around the realities of training and hospitality work.
Explore the Family Center →Support Beyond the Classroom
EDWINS connects students with resources that may include legal assistance, basic medical support, clothing, literacy assistance, job coaching and other services.
We Still Want to Hear From You.
If you are not currently in Cleveland or are unable to attend Friday open enrollment, contact the EDWINS student team to discuss the next step.
Email HeatherTake the First Step.
You do not need to have everything figured out before you walk through the door. Start with the application and show us that you are ready to work.