Our Mission
Train people for successful, family-sustaining careers in the Las Vegas hospitality industry.
Creating Culinary Excellence in Las Vegas
- Since 1993, the Culinary Academy of Las Vegas has provided hospitality career training in Las Vegas, equipping over 65,000 students with the skills needed for family-sustaining careers in Southern Nevada’s vibrant hospitality industry. As the leading provider of workforce development in Las Vegas hospitality, we offer a pathway out of poverty for unemployed and underemployed community members. All of our culinary training programs in Nevada are licensed by the Nevada Commission on Postsecondary Education, and upon completion, students receive a certificate that equates to one year of work experience with our employer partners, both on and off the Las Vegas Strip.
- Students receive real-world training on our campus and through applied learning sites. The Westside Bistro, a student-staffed, full-service restaurant located on the main CALV campus, provides hands-on experience in a professional dining environment. Culinary Arts Catering and Events, our professional catering service, offers on-site banquet services at the Events Center or off-site venues. Additionally, we operate 500 Grand Café, located inside the Clark County Government Center, further enhancing training opportunities while serving the local community.
- By combining expert instruction with practical experience, we prepare students for rewarding careers in Las Vegas hospitality jobs. Learn more about how our certified hospitality job training in Nevada can help you launch your career in this exciting and growing field.
Our Values
The Culinary Academy of Las Vegas is governed by a set of core values that underlie all our operations. These values reflect a culture of pride in all that we do—our mission, our vision, and our dedicated team.
Our Vision
Reduce poverty and eliminate unemployment by providing vocational and job-readiness training to youth, adults, and displaced workers.
Meet Our
Leadership Team
CALV is led by experienced professionals committed to excellence in hospitality education.
Leadership
Dr. Bobbi Damrow, Ed.D.
Chief Executive Officer
Shanna Hackel, M.A.
Executive Dean and Director of Marketing and Communication
Jennifer Kabat, B.S.
Executive Director of Student Services
Janeen Rozat
Executive Director of Food and Beverage
Robert Derwinski, B.S.
Executive Director of Academy Operations & Strategic Projects
Kimberly Wilson, B.A.
Executive Director of Human Resources
Eric Wolfman, CPA
Executive Director of Finance, Information Technologies & Security
Employer Partners
Our impact in Numbers
81
%
Students qualify for tuition assistance
85
%
Graduation rate
84
%
of graduates secure employment after graduation
Partnering for Hands-On Learning
and Career Development
Discover How Our Employer Partnerships and Local Venues Create
Real-World Learning Experiences for Students
Find Out More
The Culinary Academy of Las Vegas provides training for entry-level and union workers in the Las Vegas hospitality industry. As a labor-management trust, we partner with the Culinary Union Local 226, Bartenders Union Local 165, and over 50 major properties to create pathways to stable, well-paying careers.
- Our programs prepare students for jobs with living wages, benefits, and employer-provided insurance.
- We collaborate with top hospitality employers on the Las Vegas Strip and Downtown to connect graduates with career opportunities.
Find Your Answers Here
No. Students do not need a high school diploma or GED to register for any of our programs. Some programs require prior work experience, which can be waived with a certification of completion from applicable CALV training programs. Please see our Program List for program requirements.
Tuition for each program varies. Please see our Program List for tuition costs. Eligible Culinary Union Local 226 and Bartenders Union Local 165 members qualify for free training as part of their union benefits package. Please contact Student Services if you are unsure about your eligibility.
We do not offer Federal Financial Aid (Title IV Funding). However, we partner with several community agencies who offer full or partial tuition assistance for qualified students. Over 85% of our students qualify for tuition assistance.
Program lengths vary, as each program has a required number of vocational hours that need to be completed to graduate. Please see our Program List for program lengths and schedules.
Upon completion of training, graduates will receive a certificate of completion that equates to one (1) year of work experience with our employer partners on the Las Vegas Strip. Please see our Partners for a list of our employer, labor, and community partners.
Yes. CALV does not discriminate based on criminal record. Our Student Services team completes a one-on-one assessment with each student to help determine the most appropriate career path and how to navigate going forward
Some programs will require a Food Handler Safety Training card and/or Alcohol Awareness Card at time of registration. Please see our Program List for program requirements.
Yes. Although CALV does not guarantee employment, our Student Services team offers career assistance to students and graduates, including resume writing, job searching, and interview preparation.
