Brookdale Community College’s fundamental philosophy and mission are to provide the Monmouth County community with full access to quality educational programs and services. Since 1998, Brookdale Community College has maintained an educational relationship with Monmouth County Vocational School District (MCVSD) with the first graduating class of college students in 2000. Effective July 1, 2021, the Board of Trustees of the College renewed their agreement with MCVSD.

David M. Stout, Ph.D., president of Brookdale Community College, said, “I am looking forward to another 22 years and more of this great relationship where we are training fantastic chefs, getting them out working in the community and in many cases, starting their own restaurants.”

While operating under an informal arrangement since 1998, in 2014, the institutions entered into a formal agreement to offer an Associate Degree and Certificate Programs in Culinary and Pastry Arts at the Culinary Education Center of Monmouth County (CEC) in Asbury Park. The 2021 renewed agreement has added new provisions regarding the use and operation of respective programs within the CED building.

“I would like to thank the Board of Commissioners of Monmouth County who put Dr. Stout and me together. It has been a pleasure working with him and taking this program that has been thriving and succeeding to the next level. As a result, we have created a clear pathway for our students in high school to go directly into college and continue their education,” said Charles R. Ford, Jr., Ed.D., superintendent of MCVSD.

This joint culinary education provides students to be trained on campus or in worksite locations with collaborative hotels and restaurants. These experiences, both school-run and worksite foodservice operations, are designed to prepare them for a food service/hospitality industry career.

About the Culinary Education Center

The Culinary Education Center is a collaboration between Brookdale Community College and Monmouth County Vocational School District. The Culinary Education Center offers a comprehensive, innovative food preparation and management program of study to students. The high school curriculum is designed to provide entry-level workforce skills. While attending their home school and the Culinary Education Center, their students also have dual enrollment status with Brookdale Community College.