Some Chicago students are learning valuable skills inside the kitchen of a Southwest Side pizzeria, thanks to an after-school program designed for aspiring chefs.
At Angelo’s Stuffed Pizza in Archer Heights, students gathered for class on Thursday under the guidance of owner Adrian Zamudio. For the past four years, Zamudio has partnered with Chicago Public Schools to provide students with practical kitchen experience after school.
In this program, students learn how to make pizza, opening doors to future opportunities. Zamudio believes the skills they acquire can lead to summer jobs or even inspire them to open their own pizzerias someday. “It’s something they can use in the future,” he said.
The students selected for this year-round program have either made the honor roll or maintained perfect attendance. Their reward is a unique pizza party, where they learn to create delicious dishes and enjoy their creations with their families.
Zamudio emphasizes the importance of on-the-job training. “The best place you can start working is at a restaurant. It teaches you everything you need to know, from communication to hard work,” he explained.
Fourteen-year-old Maya Paz hopes her kitchen experience will impress her mother. “She doesn’t trust me with cooking because she’s afraid I’ll mess up or hurt myself. This is a really good experience so I can help around the house,” she said.
Seventeen-year-old Jesus Contreras is already planning for his future. “I’m really interested in cooking, and it’s something I want to do in my life,” he stated.
Zamudio has observed significant growth in the students. “I’ve seen them grow inside the kitchen. They not only learn about pizza but also explore other fields,” he said.
In addition to the make-your-own pizza program, Angelo’s Stuffed Pizza also invites families to join in the fun.
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