Cooking Up Success: Bridges Culinary Program Prepares Georgetown ISD Students
Lucas Baldwin loves to make omelets. But he is also skilled at preparing vegetables and can sauté carrots like a pro. Baldwin is part of an 18+ program at Georgetown ISD that focuses on preparing special education young adults for life beyond high school through skill development in the areas that matter most after graduation.
Lucas Baldwin slices carrots as part of his culinary skills training.
“An 18+ program shifts away from the academic component and instead makes sure students are ready for whatever their next step may be,” said Eden Guthrie, Bridges 18+ coordinator for Georgetown ISD. “Our goal is to ensure students have the skills they need to be as independent as possible.”
The Bridges program began in 2005 and has steadily expanded as the need for meaningful postsecondary transition services has grown. This year, the program serves 42 students, with 53 enrolled for the 2026-27 school year, reflecting both its success and the trust families place in the program. Overall, Georgetown ISD serves about 13,000 students.
Bridges emphasizes individual daily living skills, focusing on preparing students for employment and skill training that will give them the tools and confidence to someday pursue independent living.
Training for Credentials and Careers
One of the standout components of the Bridges program is its culinary skills pathway, which had 10 students this year. The program recently achieved a significant milestone with approval by the American Culinary Federation. ACF is the nation’s largest professional organization for chefs and culinary professionals and sets national standards for culinary education, food safety, technical skills, and professionalism.
Students in the Bridges culinary program work toward their food handler certifications.
Receiving ACF approval required a comprehensive review of curriculum, lesson plans, structural practices, and overall program design.
“This certification shifts the narrative from focusing on limitations to focusing on qualifications,” said Courtney Marak, culinary skills trainer for the program. “It provides tangible proof of our students’ skills, readiness, and professionalism. This recognition represents opportunity, dignity, and access to meaningful employment.”
Bridges culinary students this year also participated in a 10-week food preparation certification program through the Central Texas Food Bank. The fast-paced, hands-on training is offered at no cost and culminates with students receiving a professional knife set, chef’s jacket, and pants.
For students like Tyanna Eiland, the impact of Bridges is life changing. Eiland has worked at Gold Burger Diner in Georgetown for more than a year.
“Because I have a job, I can help buy groceries, pay my phone bill, and buy things I need,” Eiland said. With her American Culinary Federation certification, she is also able to earn higher wages and expand her career opportunities.
Strong Community Support
Texas 18+ transition programs are designed to help students continue receiving special education services up to age 21 or 22 while working toward measurable postsecondary goals in employment and independent living. Georgetown ISD’s program aligns closely with state guidance by providing instruction in real-world environments and supporting students as they move from school-based services to adult supports and employment.
Bridges culinary program students pose with Courtney Marak, culinary skills trainer for the Bridges program.
What sets Bridges apart is its strong network of community partnerships and its emphasis on hands-on learning in real work settings. Georgetown’s supportive local community plays a critical role in the program’s success.
“We have about 21 community partners, including volunteer and internship sites,” Guthrie said. “Georgetown is a fantastic community that truly supports students and adults with disabilities.”
These partnerships allow students to practice workplace skills, develop routines, interact with co-workers, and gain confidence in professional settings. Students participate in work-based learning across four different industries of grocery, retail, custodial, and restaurant and food service.
Support from local organizations has helped Bridges students access resources that directly impact their success. Through a partnership with the Assistance League of Georgetown, Georgetown ISD received a $10,000 grant that helped students prepare for employment by providing interview outfits, haircuts, and even laptops.
Ultimately, the Bridges program lives up to its name by connecting education to employment and training to independence.
“It’s a bridge from doubt to belief in our students’ potential,” Marak said. “And most importantly, it’s a bridge to a confident, meaningful adult life.”
Photos courtesy of Georgetown ISD.
This article first appeared in the June/July 2026 issue of Texas Lone Star.
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Beth Griesmer
Beth Griesmer is a senior communications specialist for TASB.
