How Florida Club Teens are Transitioning from the Classroom to Culinary Careers

Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County (Hobe Sound, Florida)

In Southeast Florida, Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County have a strong understanding of their community’s needs. From working with schools to help students graduate to culinary arts training in their commercial kitchen, learn more about their commitment to preparing the next generation for a prosperous future that supports their local economy. 

Supporting Students in the Club & the Classroom

With an all-star team of 38 certified teachers, Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County is on a mission to prep young minds for the future – starting during school hours. Teaming up with their local school district, the Club identifies areas where they can give students that extra edge to meet Florida's academic standards.

Through a data-sharing agreement with the school district, the Club monitors students' attendance, behavior and academic performance. With this information, the staff creates targeted afterschool programs that capture the interest of students, sparking their curiosity, creativity and enjoyment – and it's successful! Students in these programs have demonstrated greater interest in school by attending class more frequently, improving their grades and staying on track to high school graduation.

"Through our tremendous partnerships, a wonderful board and an appetite for innovation, we’ve undergone a renaissance to rewrite the future and build youth resilience. Every one of our Clubs offers robotics, dance, all sorts of sports, chess, music and arts programming. We’re also still the only Club in the state of Florida with a licensed clinical social worker and credentialed case manager on the floor.”

-Keith "Fletch" Fletcher, President & Chief Executive Officer, Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County

Martin County Clubs are also unique in how they’re able to support youth during school hours. Through their partnership with AmeriCorps, rotating specialists work alongside teachers at County schools, ensuring more students get the academic attention and support they need to thrive.

Serving Up Community Meals & Culinary Career Skills

Whether teens are itching for college, trade school or the job market, Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County have their back. Caring mentors offer personalized support to teens aiming for college, including help with personal statements, FAFSA and budgeting. They also assist teens in entering the workforce, such as providing resume help, offering opportunities to learn skilled trades and earn certifications for high-demand career fields.

"We first met with the economic development council to learn what industries and opportunities are coming to Martin County. Then we marry student interest with economic need by launching workforce programs that are appealing to teens, whether it’s getting a drone certification, using virtual reality to learn about carpentry or plumbing, or getting a behind the scenes look at the medical field.”

Keith "Fletch" Fletcher, President & Chief Executive Officer, Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County

One the Club’s most popular offerings is a commercial kitchen and food truck, which employs 36 young people earning $15 an hour.

Through the Fork in the Road program, members spend nine weeks learning essential skills for culinary careers – like sanitation, food handling and cooking techniques – under the guidance of Chef and Director of Culinary Operations, Dan Bettencourt. Participants also build entrepreneurial skills, such as budget balancing and supply chain management. Over 45 teens have graduated from the program so far, all earning a ServSafe food handler certification that allows them to work in any commercial kitchen.

In addition to hands-on career training, Martin County Club members use the kitchen and its resources to prepare food for all Club sites plus other youth service providers in the area, such as the local early learning center. They’ve even catered weddings!

Improving Job Prospects for Teens & Adults

To help address their community’s economic needs, Martin County Boys & Girls Clubs are excited to open new workforce development collaboratories. These spaces will provide career exposure, STEM labs, robotics and more to students during their school day and after school hours. They’ll also offer job training and certification opportunities to adults at night and on weekends. Best of all, all programs and services are completely free of charge!

"The space is so perfectly located for our community, which means we can get more families involved beyond having just the kids coming by. By keeping our pulse on the whole community, we are making a big difference.” 

Dr. John Millay, Senior Vice President, Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County