A student handles grapes in preparation for wine season.

Hospitality, Tourism and culinary skills are the focus of this Lighthouse Academy in California’s wine country. Core courses are integrated into curriculum by a team of Windsor District Education Association members. The program includes mentorship with industry professionals, field trips and internships. Staff collaborates with the local middle school to generate interest.

“Some kids have never picked up a knife or boiled water, and they leave our program knowing how to cook — and all the safety and sanitation rules of how to open and close a kitchen,” says Pam Uchytil-Velasquez, hospitality and culinary arts teacher.

“By the end of the year, students are writing full business plans and know what it takes to start a business.”

—Barney Kaufman, Windsor District Education Association

Students discover a variety of opportunities in the hospitality field, including police and fire department positions at theme parks; hotel management and accounting jobs. Several grads have well-paying jobs in the hospitality industry. Barney Kaufman, who teaches finance and entrepreneurship, has students do “Shark Tank” style presentations to pitch ideas. “By the end of the year, they are writing full business plans and know what it takes to start a business.”

Brianne Stone, Class of 2021, found purpose. “I know how to get a job and keep it. I am going to college. I know what I need to succeed.”