Fresh Starts Culinary Academy is Homeward Bound’s flagship job-training program, serving low-income students from the community as well as Homeward Bound residents.

Students work hands-on in our kitchen to learn core skills for a career in the busy culinary industry! The 10-week course, valued at $10,000, enrolls eligible students without charge. We offer a $1,000 bonus to each student upon completion.

As a trainee, key benefits include:

  • Learning from professional chefs with broad experience in restaurants, institutional kitchens, and catering for events
  • Classroom sessions on professional development and personal finance
  • Food Handler & ServSafe Manager certification fees included
  • Uniforms and kitchen-approved shoes provided at no charge
  • Transportation assistance, if needed
  • Job placement support

The next class will start Monday, Jan. 9, 2023. Start your New Year with a fresh career path! See more details on our flyer in Spanish or English.

Students may apply online or download and print an application to let us know that you’re ready to get cooking! We are a 100% vaccinated workforce, and all Fresh Starts Culinary Academy students must be vaccinated against COVID-19.

For questions, please contact Chef Instructor Andrew Wild by email or call 415-382-3363 x231.

Fresh Starts Culinary Academy has been designed for students to build skills in two Homeward Bound kitchens, with the added opportunity to work at Fresh Starts Chef Events, a series of celebrity chef dinners produced by Homeward Bound. Our team also produces Wagster Treats dog biscuits and Halo HomeMades, a sister line of jams and salsas.