Connecticut Junior Republic culinary arts students develop skills you might expect, like menu design and meal preparation. But they're also shaped in many other wonderful ways you could never imagine.

Fifteen-year-old Mark (not his real name) has taken culinary arts classes at our Waterbury Program for five years. When he arrived at CJR as a sixth-grader, he was polite and smart but also shy and not particularly motivated in school. Mark's a different kid today. Coming to CJR has boosted his confidence and fostered an ability to motivate and inspire his peers.

Interacting with our chefs has instilled in Mark the importance of a well-rounded education. They've shown him that succeeding in the field requires skills like reading, writing and problem solving. And that's pushed him to work harder in classes because he knows colleges will want to see improvement on his transcripts.

The fact that kids like Mark have college on their minds is a victory unto itself. Whether it's vocational school, the military, community college or four-year college, we urge our youth to aspire to something more. Because when kids are working toward a long-term goal, they're more likely to stay on the right path and less likely to engage in at-risk behavior.

Please help us give Mark and our other young people the skills they need to grow and succeed. The gift you make today will benefit at-risk children and their families for years to come. Thank you in advance for your generosity.

Sincerely,
John F. Boyd, Executive Director

P.S. Click here to enjoy a recipe from our Litchfield culinary arts program. Chef Rich Yost and his students have received many requests for it — try these scones and you'll know why!