CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (September 12, 2016)-Kirkwood Community College’s Culinary Arts program ranks as the 16th best culinary school in the country according to Best Choice Schools. The top-20 ranking was part of their list of the 50 best culinary schools in the U.S for 2016.
Best Choice Schools, which focuses on giving prospective students relevant information in their college search, looked for institutions offering hands-on experience, internship/externship opportunities, student operated restaurants, modern facilities, and a solid reputation in the industry. In addition, only schools that were nationally accredited or accredited by the American Culinary Federation (ACF) were considered. The rankings were compiled based on program offerings, reputation, online reviews and the school website.
“The entire Culinary Arts instructional team, which includes the culinary professionals of The Hotel at Kirkwood, is extremely proud of this status,” said Kirkwood Hospitality Chair and Coordinator David Horsfield. “This ranking is a validation that Kirkwood is indeed supporting student skill development and enhancing their employability.”
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for chefs and head cooks is expected to grow nine percent through 2024. The two-year Culinary Arts program at Kirkwood is helping to meet that demand by offering superior training, experience and a solid foundation, while keeping student tuition down.
In addition to a Culinary Arts Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree, Kirkwood offers other programs within the hospitality arts field that prepare high-quality graduates for leadership positions in the industry. Students can pursue two-year A.A.S. degrees in hotel management and restaurant management as well as a one-year Baking and Pastry Arts diploma.
“The Hotel at Kirkwood is a AAA Four Diamond-rated, full-service hotel property that provides all of our Hospitality Arts students with hundreds of hours of live, on-the-job training, which prepares them for a seamless entry into the hospitality workplace,” said Horsfield.
To see the full rankings of culinary arts schools, go to www.bestchoiceschools.com.
For more information on the Kirkwood Culinary Arts program, as well as other offerings in the Hospitality Arts, go to www.kirkwood.edu/hospitality.