Emerging Chefs is a signature Career Enrichment Program of On the Road's after-school and summer learning programs, serving about 150 middle and high school youth each year across our five program sites in Harrisonburg and Waynesboro.

Youth take a weekly class for 10-weeks each semester, culminating with a Learning Showcase where youth create and share food with their families and the community. In Emerging Chefs, our youth build their culinary skills and cooking knowledge while exploring cultures from around the world. Each 10-week class also involves a field trip to a local farm, farmers market or restaurant to help our youth learn more about the local community and food system. In the summer, youth can participate in week-long intensive camp where they get to dive deeper into culinary adventures.

Donate today to support and sustain On the Road's Emerging Chefs program and empower local youth with the opportunity to gain culinary skills, learn about local food systems, and so much more! Your support will help us keep Emerging Chefs free for our youth and go directly to cover the costs of the program, including groceries and cooking supplies for the weekly classes, field trips, and paying our Edible Education instructors a living wage.

Join our list of amazing sponsors by making a donation of $500 or more...!

Community Foundation Central Blue Ridge's Youth Philanthropy Council and Friendly City Food Co-op.

Questions about the program? Interested in becoming a program sponsor or partner?

Contact Kristi Van Sickle, Emerging Chefs Program Director, at: kristi@ontheroadcollaborative.com

About On the Road Collaborative:

On the Road Collaborative is a nonprofit organization that empowers youth by providing equal access to educational opportunities and hands-on career experiences. We operate after-school and summer learning programs for middle and high school youth (grades 6-12) in Harrisonburg and Waynesboro (Virginia).

On the Road's Emerging Chefs 2023-2024

Team Members