virtual cooking class & exploration
Youth Black Excellence Life Readiness Course
2025 Programming:
4-week Fall Cooking Series
Access engaging short recipe videos, food science experiments, history spotlights, and printable recipes
This year’s program is designed for more flexibility: classes are pre-recorded (not live) and ingredient kits will not be provided.
The Youth Black Excellence Cooking Class & Meal Kit Program is a 4-week virtual cooking experience led by outstanding Madison-area Black chefs, designed for students ages 11–17.
Over the past four years, we’ve served more than 600 students and families in the Madison School District—and demand continues to grow! To keep the program running strong in 2025, we’re excited to introduce this new format, which makes it easier for families to participate at their own pace.
- Register: Ready to join our October 2025 course? Sign up below! Returning students will receive a discount code. Register here!
Want to support other students and the program:
- Donate: Help us reach more families! By sponsoring a student, you give them the joy of learning through cooking. Donate here!
Sample Curriculum
● Participants receive access to an online database of curriculum including short-form recipe demonstrations, science experiments, full written recipes, and history presented by Alex Booker.
● Learn the basics of meal planning, sourcing and selecting ingredients, safe food handling and storage, cooking techniques and kitchen skills while making dishes like Margherita Pizza from scratch, Jamaican Pumpkin Stew, Birria Tacos, and Vegetarian Chili.
**PLEASE NOTE: There is NOT a meal kit delivery with the October 2025 session.**
