Real skills.
New possibilities.
A place to belong.
A four-week culinary and mentorship program for young people ages 14–18. Learn to cook, work as a team and build confidence alongside people who believe in your future.
The EDWINS community
Every young person deserves a path forward.
Following recent gun violence that has touched the EDWINS community, we are bringing people together around something we know can make a difference: opportunity.
EDWINS is joining Cleveland community advocates and restaurant partners to give young people a place to learn, build relationships and discover what they can do. The kitchen is our starting point. Confidence, connection and a sense of possibility are what we hope students carry with them.
This program brings the EDWINS belief in education and opportunity to a younger generation, with hands-on instruction, mentorship and time spent working toward a shared goal.
Start with the fundamentals.
Make something worth being proud of.
Students will practice professional techniques through approachable, hands-on lessons. Each class connects cooking with communication, responsibility and teamwork.
Find your confidence in the kitchen.
Learn kitchen safety, knife skills, organization and heat control. Practice cooking together, tasting thoughtfully and taking care of a shared workspace.
Explore the butcher shop and bakery.
Spend two classes at the butcher shop learning chicken preparation and cooking techniques, then visit the bakery to explore the precision behind a great cookie.
Bring technique and teamwork together.
Build on earlier skills with more ambitious dishes, sauces and coordinated meals. Learn to divide responsibilities, communicate clearly and practice service.
Take ownership. Share what you learned.
Keep cooking while planning and preparing a closing meal. Students put their skills to work, welcome families and invited partners, and celebrate their progress.
Thanksgiving break: No classes November 23–27. The program includes four instructional weeks across five calendar weeks. Specific class weekdays will be confirmed.
Someone to learn from.
A team to count on.
Learning a recipe matters. So does asking for help, showing up for your team and seeing a difficult task through.
Alongside culinary instruction, students will practice communication, problem-solving and accountability. Shared meals and check-ins create space for conversation, encouragement and connection.
Community advocates and restaurant partners are helping build a network of support around the program and opportunities for students to keep growing.
Two hours.
Something new to take home.
A consistent routine gives students time to settle in, learn, cook, eat together and leave the kitchen ready for the next group.
- Arrival, snack, check-in and station setup
- Chef demonstration and team assignments
- Hands-on cooking and guided practice
- Shared meal and conversation
- Cleanup, reflection and dismissal
You do not have to know how to cook. Just be ready to learn.
Applications are open to young people ages 14–18. Tell us about yourself, your interests and the schedule that works for you. A parent or legal guardian must complete the consent section for applicants under 18.
Over 18? Explore the regular EDWINS program.
Prefer to apply in person?
Applications are also accepted at either location below.
EDWINS Butcher Shop & Training Center13024 Buckeye Road
Cleveland, OH 44120EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute
12383 Cedar Road
Cleveland Heights, OH 44106
Questions about applying or getting involved?
Email Jon Khanna
Give Cleveland’s youth a path forward.
Your gift supports hands-on culinary education, mentorship and a welcoming place for young people to learn and grow.
Help us put ingredients on the table, tools in students’ hands and caring people beside them as they build new skills.
- Ingredients and hands-on cooking lessons
- Kitchen supplies and learning materials
- Culinary instruction and mentorship
- Shared meals, connection and encouragement
Before you apply.
Who is this program for?
Young people ages 14–18 who want to explore cooking, learn practical skills and work as part of a team. No prior culinary experience is required.
When are classes?
The program begins November 9, 2026, with three classes per week from 4–6 PM. There are no classes during Thanksgiving week, November 23–27. The final instructional week is December 7–11. Specific class weekdays will be confirmed.
What kinds of food will students learn to make?
Lessons build from knife skills, soups and egg cookery to dishes such as shrimp scampi, chicken piccata and salmon with béarnaise. Butcher shop and bakery sessions add chicken preparation and baking skills. Menus may change as instructors finalize lessons.
Will students be ready for a restaurant job after four weeks?
This is an introduction to culinary skills and teamwork. Students will leave with practice, experience and a foundation to build on. Staff will discuss next steps and potential opportunities with participants; completing the program does not guarantee a job.
How can I help beyond making a donation?
To discuss volunteering, mentorship or restaurant partnerships, contact jonkhanna@edwinsrestaurant.org.