(BOP) - Camp inmates at the Federal Correctional Institution, Fort Dix, New Jersey participate in a unique culinary arts program that not only prepares them for potential careers, but also provides valuable life skills. This training program has an 81 percent job placement rate in the food service industry.
The program begins with two weeks of training focusing on life skills, job preparation, and personal finance. The inmates then participate in a 14-week culinary arts vocational training program. Upon completion, the inmates also participate in an internship in the community. The class valedictorian for this program has been a BOP inmate in each of the three graduating classes since Fort Dix began participating. Inmate Zarwea Sehneah said the program, "is a great place to help start over again. You just don't learn how to cook, you learn how to approach life." Inmate Ali Burke states, "It is an outstanding program that I plan to use to hopefully start a new career in culinary arts."