Culinary Arts Program

The culinary arts program at Sowela Technical Community College prepares students for a career as an executive chef, restaurateur, food and beverage manager, food writer, research chef, or a culinary educator. The program focuses on cooking related services in restaurants and other commercial food establishments. Program courses include: recipe and menu planning, preparing and cooking foods, supervising and training kitchen assistants, managing food supplies and kitchen resources, food presentation, and a variety of cuisines and culinary techniques. Get more details below including other Louisiana colleges that offer culinary arts program.

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Sowela Technical Community College (SOWELA)

3820 Senator J. Bennett Johnston Ave, Lake Charles, LA

Sowela Technical Community College, located in Lake Charles, Louisiana, was established in 1938 and began operations in 1940. Over the years the school has gone through several names reflecting the growing nature of the school. STCC is constantly expanding its educational offerings and updating its facilities. The school serves residents of south western Louisiana, and has grown is scope, offering traditional and distance learning classes.

Academics

Sowela Technical Community College offers a variety of programs for transfer or career development. The school is accredited to award certificates, diplomas and associate degrees. Credit transfer to four year institutions is possible for students seeking to continue their education, while technical and vocational programs prepare students for immediate work in their field of study.

Programs offered include:

• Accounting
• Criminal Justice
• Culinary Arts
• General Studies
• Welding
• Graphic Arts

Admissions and Financial Aid

Sowela Technical Community College maintains an open enrollment policy. Students wishing to apply should complete the application and submit it along with all pertinent documents (transcripts, test scores). Financial aid is available to eligible students. Students admitted to Sowela will have an easier time determining financial aid status when applying. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and obtain a PIN in order to determine their eligibility and awards.

Students Enrolled in the Culinary Arts Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. SOWELA has offered the following program levels for students:

• Less Than One Year Certificate
• Less Than Two-Year Award
• Associate's Degree

Students by Academic Level (2019)

Students by Gender (2019)

Students by Race (2019)

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

Career Options for Graduates

Chefs and Head Cooks

Description

Direct and may participate in the preparation, seasoning, and cooking of salads, soups, fish, meats, vegetables, desserts, or other foods. May plan and price menu items, order supplies, and keep records and accounts.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, chefs and head cooks employment is expected to grow at a rate of 8.9% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Lake Charles, LA
  • Total Employment: 150
  • Average Hourly Rate: $17.77
  • Average Annual Salary: $36950

First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers

Description

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in preparing and serving food.

Cooks, Private Household

Description

Prepare meals in private homes. Includes personal chefs.

Cooks, Restaurant

Description

Prepare, season, and cook dishes such as soups, meats, vegetables, or desserts in restaurants. May order supplies, keep records and accounts, price items on menu, or plan menu.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, cooks, restaurant employment is expected to grow at a rate of 14.3% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Lake Charles, LA
  • Total Employment: 730
  • Average Hourly Rate: $10.12
  • Average Annual Salary: $21040

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).