Construction of a new state-of-the-art kitchen classroom at Richmond Hill High School is expected to be completed in the coming months.
The classroom will offer students a unique opportunity to explore the culinary arts in a professional setting and prepare for careers in the hospitality industry. Council Member Lynn Schulman joined Speaker Adrienne Adams and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards on Wednesday to announce a $5 million investment as part of the city’s ongoing efforts to enhance educational opportunities and provide students with access to vocational training programs that prepare them for successful careers.
“Richmond Hill High School, one of several ‘innovation’ high schools in Queens, is located in my district and is very deserving of the investment made today,” Schulman said.
“I am proud to have played a role in delivering critical funding to build a state-of-the-art kitchen and learning center that will provide Richmond Hill High School students with the unparalleled ability to develop real-life skills while building a foundation for future careers in the culinary and hospitality industries.”
The capital allocation includes $3.5 million from Schulman and Speaker Adams.
“Our scholars can succeed when they have equitable resources, opportunities, and support they need,” Adams said. “Students will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning about the burgeoning food and hospitality industry. This investment will provide students with new experiences, skills, and the chance to explore new career pathways.”
Richards contributed $1.5 million to the project.
“As both the Borough President and the father of a fourth grader, I know the importance of ensuring Queens schools offer our children the most well-rounded education possible,” Richards said. “This kitchen will help expose generations of young people to countless career possibilities in our city’s iconic food service industry, and I cannot wait to sample the meals they learn to make in the years to come.”
Richmond Hill High School Principal Tarek Alamarie said the generous financial support will empower the student body for years to come.
“The newly equipped culinary art classroom aligns with career-connected learning and technical education, providing our students with the skills and opportunities they need to be future-ready in this dynamic field,” Alamarie said.
Community Board 9 Chair Sherry Algredo added that the kitchen classroom was on top of the CB9 capital requests.
“This culinary vision has created a new career pathway at Richmond Hill High and a vision that will set a standard as a pilot program for many high school students, Alfredo said.
Wednesday’s event featured remarks from educators, community leaders, and New York Hospitality Alliance Executive Director Andrew Rigie. They praised the investment as a critical step in empowering students to succeed in an evolving and competitive industry.
“The restaurant industry is an exciting and delicious sector with endless career opportunities for young people to strive towards,” Rigie said. “Today’s incredible $5 million investment by Council Member Schulman, Speaker Adams, and Borough President Richards to build a state-of-the-art culinary kitchen classroom at Richmond Hill High School will provide an essential educational and hands-on training experience for students that will train them to be the future top chefs and accomplished business people, all while keeping Queens the most diverse dining destinations in the world.”
