First cohort graduates from Patton College Restaurant Ready program

The Patton College of Education’s Stevens Literacy Center recently graduated its first class of students in the OHIO Career Ready Campus Restaurant Ready program. A collaboration with the Ohio Restaurant Association Education Foundation (ORAEF), the Restaurant Ready program graduated a cohort of 15 participants who are residents of the Community Justice Center in Nelsonville, Ohio. The graduates will be ready to quickly transition into the workforce upon release.

Restaurant Ready, developed by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF), is focused on helping people acquire life and employability skills necessary to pursue jobs in the restaurant and foodservice industry and jump start their path to independence.  

Under the direction of Thom Stevenson, assistant professor of instruction in The Patton College’s Restaurant, Hotel and Tourism program, the cohort received ServeSafe training, as well as sessions on communication, teamwork, personal responsibility, customer service, and basic kitchen skills.

“I am glad that we were able to bring the ServSafe certification, Restaurant Ready curriculum, and respective certifications to culmination at this interesting time in our country’s history,” said Stevenson. “I am proud that we are the first cohort in Ohio, and the individuals were very proud of the work they have done. I believe we have helped change these gentlemen’s lives.”

The next cohort of the Restaurant Ready program will begin in mid- to late-July. The Patton College plans to collaborate with the Appalachian Center for Economic Networks (ACEnet) in Athens for future training opportunities.