Delaware County, DCCC Partner to Advance Hospitality, Culinary Workforce Development
[DREXEL HILL, Pa.] — Delaware County Council, Delaware County Community College (DCCC) and Visit Delco announced a partnership Thursday to enhance hospitality and culinary arts education, strengthening workforce development in the region.
The initiative, unveiled during a press conference at the Drexelbrook Catering and Event Center, will use hotel tax funds to support a state-of-the-art facility for DCCC’s Hospitality and Culinary Arts Programs at the former Archbishop Prendergast High School. DCCC is transforming the school into a state-of-the-art, multi-million-dollar, education and workforce training facility. The new location will open in 2026 and is being supported by the DCCC Educational Foundation’s Building Community Campaign.
“This is an exciting step for Delaware County,” said Dr. Monica Taylor, Chair of Delaware County Council. “By dedicating hotel tax funding to this project, we are creating career pathways for our residents while addressing critical workforce needs for local businesses.”
Dr. Marta Yera Cronin, president of DCCC, called the partnership a transformational investment in education and economic development.
“This collaboration represents a commitment to providing our students with cutting-edge resources to succeed in growing industries,” Cronin said. “We’re proud to work with the County to deliver a program that meets the needs of both our students and local employers.”
Steve Byrne, executive director of Visit Delco, said the program will ensure the long-term vitality of the county’s hospitality industry.
“Tourism and hospitality are integral to Delaware County’s economy,” Byrne said. “This initiative will ensure our workforce is prepared to deliver exceptional service and support the continued growth of the sector.”
Culinary student Valerie Rosa said the planned facility is a game-changer for students.
“This investment shows the county is committed to our success,” Rosa said. “Having access to a modern facility will help us build skills and confidence for our future careers.”
Laura Goodrich Cairns, representing the Delaware County Economic Development Corporation, said the program serves as a model for other communities.
“By aligning workforce development with economic growth, this initiative creates opportunities that will benefit residents and businesses for years to come,” said Cairns. “We are fortunate to have great partners in DCCC and Visit Delco to be able to institute these initiatives for a stronger Delaware County.”
The event included a ceremonial signing of the partnership agreement and a live culinary demonstration by DCCC students, showcasing their skills and creativity.
For more information about DCCC’s new center, visit: https://www.dccc.edu/about/locations/southeast-campus.
For more information on the Building Community Campaign, visit: https://ww.dccc.edu/building-community.
PHOTOS:
- Photo 1, Press Event:
o (Back row standing, left to right): Kiara Greenidge (The Inn at Villanova, Visit Delco), Joe Magee (PRLA), Laura Goodrich Cairns (Delco EDC), Cheikhou Tidiane Diagne (Springhaven Country Club), Domenick Savino CPCE (Drexelbrook Event Center & Hotel, Visit Delco)
o (Front Row seated, left to right):Dr. Marta Year Cronin, Ed. D (President, Delaware County Community College), Dr. Monica Taylor (Chair, Delaware County Council), Steve Byrne (Visit Delco)
- Photo 2, Rendering of state-of-the-art facility at former Archbishop Prendergast High School
- Photo 3, Ceremonial Signing:
o (Back row standing, left to right): Kiara Greenidge (The Inn at Villanova, Visit Delco), Joe Magee (PRLA), Valerie Rosa (DCCC Culinary Student), Cheikhou Tidiane Diagne (Springhaven Country Club), Khia Smith (DCCC Hospitality Graduate), Domenick Savino CPCE (Drexelbrook Event Center & Hotel) ), Laura Goodrich Cairns (Delco EDC)
o (Front Row seated, left to right):Dr. Monica Taylor (Chair, Delaware County Council), Dr. Marta Year Cronin, Ed. D (President, Delaware County Community College), Steve Byrne (Visit Delco)
- Additional Rendering(s); Event Photo & Video Selects: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/a5pznhe5ol3m5gu0cf4iz/AApyN2ZZSdEjFbCnTESPmjA?rlkey=9in8quaw8vbodxxk4eeuzy6gb&st=3mlkjb5p&dl=0
About Delaware County Community College
For 57 years, Delaware County Community College has served as the center of educational opportunity for residents of Delaware and Chester Counties. Students find affordable, open admission to higher education and can earn Associate in Arts (A.A.), Associate in Fine Arts (A.F.A), Associate in Science (A.S.), or Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degrees. The College’s comprehensive programs offer high school dual enrollment; transfer options to four-year colleges and universities; prepare students for direct entry into the workforce; award professional certificates; and provide career advancement and lifelong learning opportunities. The College serves a diverse population of 16,000 credit and non-credit students each year. Visit dccc.edu for more information.
About Visit Delco
Visit Delco’s mission is to drive the economic vitality of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, as a dynamic tourism destination by promoting our abundance of diverse experiences, and the region as a welcoming place to visit, meet, stay, and play.
About Delaware County Economic Development Corporation
The Delaware County Economic Development Corporation is dedicated to fostering economic growth and development throughout Delaware County. By providing resources, support, and strategic direction, the Economic Development Corporation plays a pivotal role in driving the economic prosperity of the region.
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