SBU Eats Partners with Suffolk County Community College to Train Next Generation of Culinary Talent

SBU Eats by CulinArt, in collaboration with Suffolk County Community College (SCCC), has launched an internship program that offers SCCC Culinary Arts students hands-on experience applying their skills in a welcoming environment at Stony Brook University's dining facilities. For SBU Eats, this program provides a valuable opportunity to engage young, passionate cooks-in-training and give them space to create, grow, and acquire new skills and knowledge.

"Participating in a culinary internship program is something I am truly passionate about," said Suanne Agugliaro, SBU Eats director of training and development. "When I attended The Culinary Institute of America, completing an externship was a program requirement. That experience helped guide my career and gave me invaluable hands-on training. Now, as a trainer on this campus, I can provide the same opportunity for young talent to learn and explore their potential. Helping shape the next generation of culinarians is incredibly rewarding."

Two SCCC Culinary Arts students were selected through a thorough interview process and began the program during the spring semester. They have 16 weeks to complete their paid internship. For these students, this marks their first real experience working on a professional cooking line.

"It's the people that make it more fun," shares Adriana Carrero, an intern at Roth Café. Carrero says she has always loved cooking, making it an obvious career path for her. "I started cooking with my mother; for me, cooking is the best way to express myself," she adds. Adriana enjoys preparing Puerto Rican cuisine, the food of her country of origin, but also appreciates the opportunity to work with a variety of international dishes served daily to SBU students.

Another intern, David Soledad, works at East Side Dining twice a week. For him, the experience has also been highly beneficial. East Side Dining serves approximately 4,000 guests daily. This fast-paced environment, combined with a friendly and supportive staff, creates the ideal setting for students to thrive.

The internship program marks a strong start to the partnership between SBU Eats by CulinArt and SCCC, and we look forward to continuing this collaboration.