NYPD Culinary Arts Program Empowers Brooklyn Youth

A group of Brooklyn high school students celebrated their graduation from a specialized culinary arts program during a ceremony held the weekend of April 5, 2026. The initiative, based in Brownsville, is a partnership between the New York City Police Department (NYPD) and the Brownsville Community Culinary Center (BCCC).

The program is designed to provide young people with meaningful alternatives to keep them off the streets. Ten young chefs participated in the most recent session, marking the third group to complete the 8-week training course. The curriculum focuses on teaching both technical culinary skills and broader life skills.

Program Curriculum and Objectives

Students in the program receive hands-on training in a $1.2 million teaching kitchen. The instruction covers a range of technical abilities, including knife skills, grilling techniques, and general kitchen management. Beyond the culinary aspect, the program emphasizes nutrition, teamwork, and discipline.

The initiative is led by a combination of professional chefs and NYPD officers. Executive Director and Chef Alexis Chef Lex Aquino and Sous Chef Markees guide the students, alongside Det. Jarrett Akins, a 20-year NYPD veteran. According to NYPD Officer Melissa Hobbs, the program is intended to build practical life skills and teamwork.

The training concludes with a practical application of their skills through a pop-up restaurant hosted for the students’ friends and family, followed by the graduation ceremony.

Community Relations and Youth Strategy

The culinary program is part of the broader mission of the NYPD Youth Strategies Division. This division offers various opportunities for young New Yorkers, including fashion camps, soccer teams, boxing clubs, and mentorship programs.

Capt. Jackeline Bodden, a commanding officer focused on youth strategies, noted that while many youth programs focus on sports or basketball, the department wanted to provide an alternative experience. Det. Jarrett Akins stated that the program serves as an opportunity for the police department to foster a healthy relationship with the community from a youth perspective.

The program’s impact extends to the local neighborhood, as students cook free meals for residents of the Brownsville community throughout their training. NYPD Sgt. Johnny Hines III indicated that the program opens new doors for the city’s youth that were previously unavailable.

Program History and Future

The NYPD’s efforts to teach culinary arts to youth began five years ago in the Bronx before expanding to Brooklyn. The current iteration in Brownsville was launched in September 2024 and is open to young people aged 14 to 18 from all five boroughs of New York City.

Due to high demand, the program currently maintains a waitlist for new participants. For some students, the program serves as a stepping stone toward professional education; student Alexa Williams indicated plans to attend culinary school following her completion of the course.

That’s what we do as officers, we serve

Det. Jarrett Akins