MEDIA, PA — A new partnership between Delaware County Community College (DCCC), Delaware County Council, and Visit Delco aims to strengthen culinary and hospitality education while boosting workforce development in the region. Officials announced the initiative on November 21 during a press conference held at the Drexelbrook Catering and Event Center in Drexel Hill.
The collaboration will support a state-of-the-art educational facility for DCCC’s Culinary Arts and Hotel and Restaurant Management Programs. The new campus will be located at the former Archbishop Prendergast School, transformed into a multi-million-dollar workforce training hub. Expected to open in 2026, the project is backed by the DCCC Educational Foundation’s Building Community Campaign.
Dr. Marta Yera Cronin, president of DCCC, described the partnership as a landmark investment in the county’s economy and education. “This collaboration represents a commitment to providing our students with resources to succeed in growing industries,” Cronin said. “We’re proud to work with the county to deliver a program that meets the needs of both our students and local employers.”
The announcement ceremony included a formal signing of the partnership agreement and desserts prepared by DCCC culinary students, offering a glimpse of their creativity and skills.
The Culinary Arts Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) program at DCCC prepares students for careers across the food service industry, from line cooks to restaurant chefs. It combines academic courses, hands-on kitchen labs, and internships to provide a comprehensive education. For those seeking a shorter pathway, a Certificate of Competency is also available.
The College’s Hotel and Restaurant Management A.A.S. program provides specialized training for careers within the hospitality industry. Future courses at the new facility will bolster these programs, complementing culinary classes currently held at the college’s Marple Campus and other commercial kitchens in Broomall and Phoenixville.
Dr. Monica Taylor, chair of Delaware County Council, emphasized the importance of this venture for local development. “This is an exciting step for Delaware County,” Taylor said. “By dedicating hotel tax funding to this project, we are creating career pathways for our residents while addressing critical workforce needs for local businesses.”
Steve Byrne, executive director of Visit Delco, highlighted the significance of such an initiative for the hospitality sector. “Tourism and hospitality are integral to Delaware County’s economy,” Byrne said. “This initiative will ensure our workforce is prepared to deliver exceptional service and support the continued growth of the sector.”
Students have also voiced their enthusiasm for the project. Valerie Rosa, a DCCC culinary student, recognized the impact the facility will have on educational opportunities. “This investment shows the county is committed to our success,” Rosa said. “Having access to a modern facility will help us build skills and confidence for our future careers.”
With this partnership, Delaware County is taking significant steps to prepare its workforce for the growing demands of the hospitality and culinary industries, ensuring long-term growth and opportunity in the region.
For more information about DCCC’s new Southeast Center, visit dccc.edu/new-center. For more on Culinary Arts at DCCC, visit dccc.edu/culinary. For more information on the Building Community Campaign—a bold initiative to provide access, increase diversity and create a stronger, more vibrant region—visit dccc.edu/building-community.
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