Since 2013
Our Mission
Our mission is to educate and empower children with a vast knowledge of culinary arts. Our culinary program is designed to give students of all ages and abilities the opportunity for hands-on training led by experienced chefs. We offer a wide range of recipes to expose our students to different cooking styles, techniques, and ingredients. In addition to kitchen and knife safety, students will build leadership skills, learn organizational concepts, and begin creating the framework for making healthier lifestyle choices.
Our Future Goals
- Acquire a culinary food truck to share our programs on-the-go.
- Build a talented catering team.
- Establish a traveling culinary program for youths.
- Mentor culinary students to compete world-wide.
- Become a global leader in providing youths healthy lifestyle choices.
- Work on becoming a regionally accredited institution.
Executive Leadership
Robert Collins
President & Executive Chef
President & Executive Chef
Founded in 2016 by Chef Robert Collins, the Youthage Culinary Specialist nonprofit school opened in Mundelein, Illinois. Chef Robert is a retired Navy Veteran and former owner of Rob's Delight Catering, Inc. He graduated from Robert Morris University and has 29 years of Food Service experience in the Military and Civilian sector. After witnessing the direct link between diet, how it effects ones health and diabetes management, he knew it was his calling to help the youths in his community learn the importance of healthy ingredients and how to cook them! The vision was to provide students of all ages and abilities the opportunity for hands-on training by culinary experts. Creating a unique culinary experience with an emphasis on educating children on nutrition, culinary techniques, and youth and career development. Students have the opportunity to build leadership skills, learn organizational concepts, and begin creating the framework for making healthier lifestyle choices.
Senior Leadership
|
Sallymar McBean
Director | Fundraiser | Grants director@youthageculinary.com |
Trinika Hicks
Office Assistant info@youthageculinary.com |
Located Downtown Mundelein!
508 North Seymour Avenue | Mundelein, IL | 60060