What’s New at College of the Canyons

We checked in with seven College of the Canyons faculty members to chat about what’s new and exciting on campus this fall, how their programs are creating career opportunities for our community members, and what future COC students can be doing now to prepare for a successful pathway into these exciting career fields.
Cindy Schwanke
COC Culinary Arts & Wine Studies
Department Chair
College of the Canyons Institute for Culinary Education (iCuE)
If you have a passion for cooking or baking, a career in the culinary arts may be what you’re looking for! COC culinary arts courses are designed for students of all ages, so whether you’re still in high school or a working professional looking for a second career, come and experience the magic of iCuE at College of the Canyons.
Students are able to select from three programs focused on the areas of culinary arts, baking and pastry, and wine studies, with each taking between about a year to 18 months to complete. During that time students have the opportunity to work and learn in the college’s state-of-the-art iCuE facility. Included among the amenities are four kitchens equipped with modern and industry-relevant equipment, a wine room, lecture rooms and a 120-seat café which serves lunch to the public throughout the year. We even have our own temperature-controlled chocolate room with some of the finest chocolates available in the region.
The faculty at iCuE includes some of the best and most experienced chefs in the industry. Our instructors are talented, professional, dedicated and share a passion for our craft and the profession. Our chefs also work with the Hart District high school culinary programs to help incoming students make a smooth transition into the college setting. Our main goal at iCuE is ensuring student success by preparing students for jobs in hospitality, culinary, wine or one of the various other career fields within the culinary arts industry. Our graduates go on to build successful careers with well-known restaurant chains, corporate kitchens and motion picture industry catering companies, just to name a few. The possibilities truly are endless!
For more information please visit www.canyons.edu/icue.