Empowering the Next Generation: High School Students Serve Up Culinary Delights at the Big E

In the bustling atmosphere of the Big E, the largest agricultural fair in the Northeast, a unique partnership is unfolding, where local high school students are taking center stage, serving up delectable fare to the thousands of fairgoers. This remarkable collaboration between Dean Tech Vocational High School in Holyoke and the Bean Restaurant Group is not only providing valuable real-world experience for the students but also delighting the palates of attendees with their culinary creations.

Unleashing the Potential of Tomorrow's Culinary Leaders

Hands-on Learning at the Big E

The partnership between Dean Tech Vocational High School and the Bean Restaurant Group has given culinary students a remarkable opportunity to showcase their skills and gain invaluable experience in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment. For the second consecutive week, these students have been manning the White Hut stand in the Big E's food court, taking orders, working the register, and ensuring that every dish is prepared with precision and care."I love to see the work that goes into, like, people getting their food and people being happy and excited. I just really like that we see that. We can be more appreciative of the people behind the scenes," shared Solmarie Gomez, a senior at Dean Tech.This hands-on experience is not only building the students' confidence but also providing them with a deeper understanding of the inner workings of a bustling restaurant. From organizing the back-of-house operations to ensuring that every customer receives the right order, the students are learning the importance of attention to detail and effective communication.

Bridging the Gap Between Classroom and Career

The partnership between Dean Tech and the Bean Restaurant Group is more than just a temporary gig at the fair. It's a strategic initiative aimed at bridging the gap between the classroom and the real-world culinary industry. By immersing the students in a professional setting, the program offers them a unique opportunity to apply their classroom knowledge and gain practical experience that will serve them well in their future careers."Quite honestly, (it's) one of the most important positions in the restaurant, especially like a super busy place. They're the ones who organize and everything on the back side, making sure everyone gets the right food," explained Noah Berman, the culinary instructor at Dean Tech.This hands-on experience not only benefits the students but also the Bean Restaurant Group, which has been impressed by the caliber of the young talent they've encountered. "We do do the grades, but we treat it like a normal employee. We put the expectations on them and a lot of these students really do perform well," noted Bryan Graham, the culinary director at Bean Restaurant Group.

Paving the Way for Future Success

The partnership between Dean Tech and the Bean Restaurant Group is more than just a temporary arrangement. It's a strategic investment in the future of the culinary industry, as these high school students gain valuable experience and exposure to the inner workings of a successful restaurant group.For the students, this opportunity is a game-changer, providing them with a glimpse into the real-world challenges and rewards of the culinary profession. "It makes me more ready for the outside world. It is our senior year, but after this, we are planning on going on co-op, so I feel a little more prepared, like I have more experience with people and with registers and just being in a kitchen that's not our culinary kitchen," shared Chelsea Salas, a senior at Dean Tech.The success of this partnership has not gone unnoticed, and both Dean Tech and the Bean Restaurant Group are already looking forward to continuing their collaboration at next year's Big E. This mutually beneficial arrangement is a testament to the power of industry-academia partnerships in shaping the next generation of culinary leaders.