Alliance High School’s new culinary arts program is gearing up to open this fall under the guidance of Chef Kaitlyn Gibson, a seasoned professional with extensive experience in restaurant management, food service coordination, and culinary arts. With a passion for cooking and a dedication to mentoring the next generation of culinary professionals, Gibson is eager to bring her expertise into the classroom and kitchen.
The new program was made possible for Alliance City Schools after the district received a $3 million Career Technical Construction grant through the State of Ohio in the fall of 2023. Construction on the new facility, which is being built in the former Auto Body space, began in the fall of 2024 and will be completed in time for the first class of students to begin in the fall of 2025.
After an extensive interview process, Gibson was selected as the instructor for the culinary arts program. Gibson began cooking at a young age with her mother and grandmother. Her passion for food led her to earn a culinary Arts certificate from the Mahoning County Career and Technical Center (MCCTC) and an associate’s degree in Baking and Pastry from the Culinary Institute of America. She has had a successful culinary career since completing her education, serving as general manager and chef for a restaurant in Columbiana for four years before moving to Alliance to become the executive chef of Aeonian Brewing Company when they opened in 2021.
“Over the years, my desire to share my knowledge and experience with others has grown,” Gibson said. “Teaching cooking classes for youth and serving on the advisory board for MCCTC deepened my passion for education, and I’m excited to transition into teaching full-time.”
The culinary arts program will join the eight other career tech programs offered at Alliance High School and 14 total programs offered by the Alliance Career Tech Planning District, which includes Alliance, Marlington and Salem High Schools. The program will be offered for three periods a day to juniors and seniors who apply and are accepted during their sophomore year.
“Our new Culinary Arts program is an exciting addition that will give students practical skills and prepare them for opportunities in the food and hospitality industry,” said Shawn Jackson, director of secondary education. “It will also build connections with local businesses, helping students gain real-world experience. This program is a great way to support student success while contributing to the growth of our community.
The program will include a classroom setting, a state-of-the-art teaching kitchen, and a small café that will accommodate approximately 30 patrons. The café, called the Jetway Café, will be run entirely by students and will provide hands-on experience in all aspects of the restaurant industry, including management, cooking, serving, and food safety.
“My vision for the student-run café is to create a dynamic and inclusive space that not only serves affordable food to our school community but also extends its reach to the broader community,” Gibson said.
Gibson’s vision for the program extends beyond just learning how to cook.
“Students will gain a wide range of skills, including cooking techniques, kitchen safety, sanitation, food costing, menu planning, and restaurant operations,” she explained. “The program will also emphasize soft skills like time management, teamwork, communication, and customer service. Students will develop both technical skills in food preparation and the leadership and organizational skills necessary for success in kitchen management or owning their own business.”
Updates on the new culinary arts program will be available on the Alliance City Schools website and social media accounts.