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Culinary arts program highlighted at PVPUSD board meeting; students earn college credit via LA Harbor partnership
Summary
The board recognized CTE Month and heard from Mariana Donahue about the district’s two‑year culinary arts pathway, which offers ServSafe certification, LA Harbor College credit, monthly catering for staff and community service projects; Donahue described field trips (including a planned trip to Italy) and partnerships with visiting chefs.
At its Feb. 25 meeting the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District Board of Education recognized Career Technical Education Month and heard a presentation from Mariana Donahue, the CTE credentialed culinary arts teacher.
Donahue described the two‑year pathway and a partnership with Los Angeles Harbor College that allows participating students to earn college credits toward a culinary arts credential. Students complete classroom work and hands‑on training with commercial kitchen equipment and earn ServSafe food handler certificates when they complete the program.
The culinary pathway supports work‑based learning: students cater the monthly teachers’ breakfast (about 120 staff), have produced baked goods for a local shelter, and take field trips to expose students to front‑ and back‑of‑house roles. Donahue highlighted visiting professionals—"Chef Issa" and partners from Harbor—who support the program by bringing ingredients and expertise, which eases the program budget.
Board members praised the students’ enthusiasm and the program’s community partnerships. The president invited the board and audience to take a photo with Donahue following the presentation.
