Mission Statement
The Academy of Edible Sciences & Ethno-gastronomy (AESE) The Academy of Edible Sciences & Ethno-gastronomy (AESE) of San Diego and the programming within was designed to develop and empower local youth and refugee populations through food-based education and community enrichment courses for a brighter future.
Our "school of food" mission:
To teach the integration of science and culinary arts as a relatable means for online and in-person STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) curriculum enrichment for local middle and secondary schools.
To develop the skills and social support for the improvement and immersion of the lives of our at-risk and displaced community members through food-based training programs and empowering social awareness through food heritage demonstrations.
To inspire our youth and community to hold enthusiasm and interest in science education, science research, and cultural awareness, all while helping build careers through the prism of food.
— Chef Meggy Kern
Executive Director, AESE
YTK Objectives.
Focus One: STEAM Immersion: The need for Cross-curricular studies using a common denominator- Food Science
Fortunately, culinary arts integration combined with STEAM enrichment (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) is a natural fit. The STEM goals of scientific collaboration, inquiry based learning, and logical reasoning are easily fostered in our program and Next Generation Science Standards are targeted. Our Youth Test Kitchen (YTK) educational programming aims to inspire youth to become engaged in STEM education through focused, hands-on research and analysis in a food laboratory setting.
There are vast numbers of students and young people who would benefit from food science education within the North County and across San Diego county.
Focus Two: Refugee, asylum seekers and migrants struggling to integrate and access employment
To support and launch, Migrateful Feast, a refugee integration and training program for to develop chef skills and amazing, diverse food educators for our community. The Migrateful Feast program's mission is to empower and celebrate refugees and vulnerable migrants on their journey to integration, by supporting them to run their own cookery classes upon graduation of the program. Additionally providing them with wider social networks, improved English language and communication skills, increased confidence, new avenues for a source of income, and opportunities to celebrate and share their culture.
Focus Three: Lack of affordable locations for community food business incubation and commissary kitchen rentals in San Diego
To provide a location and means to be used as a local food business incubator and commissary kitchen, offering mentorship and supported growth for food startup businesses to increase their chances for future success. Optional product and food business development consultation with local and professional food scientists, chefs, and restaurant consultants. We can offer guidance from years of experience from a wide range of food industry expertise.