Every year at about this time, we announce our strategic initiative – the project we, in close collaboration with the school district, select as our big idea in addition to our teacher grants and early childhood literacy programs. To be chosen, the project must have a long-term, district-wide impact, align with PAFE’s mission, and be high on the school district’s wishlist.
We are excited to announce our strategic initiative: elevating the standard of the CTEC campus by adding the Culinary Arts and Hospitality Program, led by Jessica Lippi, daughter of Ivano’s Pam and Jim Lippi.
Now a school counselor, Jessica said this program lets her bring together the two things she loves: working with students and cooking. Down the road, she envisions students cooking for neighbors, too, and partnering with local programs that feed families in need.
We’ve learned this is the most in-demand elective among our high school population. Students will learn basic techniques, safety, and sanitation. They’ll have exposure to diverse cuisines and develop specialized skills.
But more than that, they’ll learn to work as part of a team, handle a busy night, and realize they’re capable of more than they thought. Those are skills that travel with them no matter what they do next. Maybe they will run their own kitchen, or maybe not.”
The benefits:
They may or may not go on to a career in culinary arts and hospitality, but here’s what they and the community will gain:
- Teamwork and confidence building through restaurant-style collaboration
- Workplace readiness for local restaurants during high summer demand
- Transferable skills applicable to any career path
Full circle impact
A few years ago, PAFE helped launch the Residential Carpentry Program at SHS. That program traces its roots back to an idea sparked by school counselor Jeralyn Mire, whose position was initially funded through PAFE. She was inspired after running Construction Combine – a PAFE-funded teacher grant.
Think about that for a moment.
One investment in a position at the district led to an idea (Construction Combine) that became a program (Residential Carpentry), which is leading to a bigger and more expansive program (Culinary Arts and Hospitality at the CTEC campus), and changing the lives of students every year. That’s elevating the standard, and the impact is compounding daily.
Building the investment
Bringing this vision to life will take a $1 million investment, structured as a community-driven challenge. Our long-standing partners at Litehouse Foods have stepped up with a $500,000 pledge – $100,000 annually over five years – provided those funds are matched by our community. To kickstart this momentum, PAFE has committed $250,000 over the next five years as a matching partner. This combined $750,000 foundation leaves $250,000 for our community to raise to complete the investment. If you would like to help support this program, please reach out to Amy.
We thank all our educators and supporters who help make this possible. This investment represents more than a single program. It embodies PAFE’s commitment to supporting the whole child from birth to age 18.
At a time when support for public education is shifting due to changes at the federal level and the emergence of new school choice initiatives statewide, investments like this demonstrate the vital role that community-based support plays in strengthening our public schools. When we fill critical gaps and provide essential resources that enable both students and teachers to succeed, we showcase the power of what’s possible when communities rally around their local schools.
Our strategic initiatives, early childhood literacy programs, and teacher grants support Lake Pend Oreille School District educators in bringing creative and innovative programs to the classroom. Because these are teacher-led ideas, not mandated by outside parties, they have a far greater impact on students. If you’d like to support this work, you can donate here.
