Lane County Youth Services' MLK Catering Program

Lane County's MLK Education Center includes a culinary arts program geared toward building employment and life skills for its students.

The program offers youth the opportunity for hands-on experience in all aspects of food service and catering. Students learn how to safely use equipment in the institutional and commercial kitchen. They use these skills to prepare daily meals for the youth in the residential treatment program and for the MLK Education Center.

Students receive the Oregon Food Handlers Certification training which they use to obtain a Food Handlers Card. This gives them eligibility to work in the food service industry for three years.

The MLK Ed. Center serves secondary students who currently have an active case with Lane County Department of Youth Services. The Center offers wrap-around services and support to youth who have experienced multiple interruptions in traditional school placements. Its mission is to provide our students with opportunities to develop skills needed to be successful in school, work, and our community.

Watch this video to learn more about the program and to meet one of the students.