Student Stories: Growing Personal Passions into Careers

Student Stories: Growing Personal Passions into Careers

For students at Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC), the Culinary Foundations Career Pathway Certificate (CPC) programs are more than just a class—it's a launchpad for professional growth, turning personal passions into promising careers.

Alaina Miller, a Culinary Foundations Level I student, enrolled in the program to follow her love of food and cooking. “My goal was to expand my skill set and comprehension in the culinary industry while embracing my passion. This class provided me with essential skills and knowledge that have enhanced my abilities in the kitchen,” Alaina said. “The curriculum covered a range of culinary concepts and techniques, from basic knife skills to advanced cooking methods. The hands-on experience was invaluable, allowing me to apply what I learned in a practical setting. Through boosted exposure, relationships and experience I gained from the class, I was able to receive a huge opportunity with a promising job offer.”

Thanks to this class, I feel more confident and prepared to pursue my culinary goals. I highly recommend this program to anyone looking to improve their culinary skills. I believe it is truly valuable to our community.

The College’s Culinary programs experienced growth in recent years as well as increased community partnerships. Since 2016, 66 students have graduated from the programs, with four students continuing into the newly created Level III program this fall.

Class sizes are small to allow for kitchen space and personalized attention with hands-on instruction. In 2021, the College partnered with Steeple Square to offer a permanent kitchen for the classes and to grow the program. Levels II and III were created in 2025 to expand on kitchen skills, industry knowledge and catering services.

Jerry Russell, a cook at the Barrell House in Dubuque, found his passion for cooking at a young age, taught by his grandfather in Jackson, Miss. “My granddaddy taught me how to cook breakfast at a young age,” Jerry explains. “The more curious I got, the more I wanted to do it.

I love the passion and I love to see people’s reactions when I prepare any dish. It brings me joy to cook.” His love of cooking made the Culinary Foundations the perfect choice.

After completing Culinary Foundations Level I, Jerry landed his current job. He didn’t stop there. Focusing on his dream to run his own restaurant, Jerry has completed Level II training and is now enrolled in Level III, all while continuing to work in the industry.

Photo: Jerry Russell

Life circumstances tried to derail Jerry’s goals, but he overcame the obstacles to turn his life around for his family. Today, Jerry is even closer to achieving his dream of owning his own business.

In the Culinary Foundations programs, students get real-world experience catering a variety of events. This fall, Level III students will take their skills to the next level by planning and executing diverse catering events. Their services will include creating a spread of heavy appetizers, managing buffet-style lunches, serving elegant plated meals and even providing an intimate, in-home dinner party experience for guests.

NICC offers a variety of short-term CPC programs designed to get students into the workforce faster in industries such as business, hospitality, construction, health, manufacturing and transportation. The College partners with employer sponsors to provide valuable support and resources to students, ensuring they have access to real-world opportunities. In addition to these partnerships, the College offers financial assistance programs for qualifying students, empowering them to pursue their passions without the burden of financial constraints.

Find a Career Pathway Certificate program that matches your interests. Contact Business and Community Solutions to discover your path into the workforce and to make your future dreams come true.

Upcoming Career Pathway Certificate Programs

Certified Nurse Aide (CNA)

#102219 Oct. 27, 2025, Peosta

#102220 Nov. 24, 2025, Town Clock Business Center

CDL Semi-Truck Driving

#101428 Oct. 6, 2025, Peosta

#104015 Oct. 20, 2025, Waukon

#101429 Nov. 3, 2025, Peosta

Culinary Foundations Level 1

#104172 Dec. 3, 2025, Steeple Square

Emergency Medical Technician

#102462 Dec. 22, 2025, Waukon

Phlebotomy Technician

#104283 March 17, 2026, Town Clock Business Center

#104282 April 9, 2026, Calmar

EXPLORE OUR FULL LIST OF CAREER PATHWAY CERTIFICATES. www.nicc.edu/cpc