FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 29, 2025

Fairmont, WV – Pierpont Community & Technical College has been awarded a $90,000 Technical Program Development (TPD) grant through the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act State Tourism Grant Program to support the creation of a student-run cafe that will provide hands-on training for students in the Culinary Arts and Pastry & Baking Arts programs.

The cafe will be designed as a fast-casual, counter-service space where students can gain real-world experience in food preparation, customer service, sanitation, and point-of-sale operations. The project will also introduce students to inventory management, receipt costing, and production planning using industry-standard tools.

“This initiative is a direct response to workforce needs in West Virginia’s growing hospitality sector,” said Dr. Michael Waide, Interim President of Pierpont Community & Technical College. “By embedding experiential learning into our curriculum, we’re preparing students to meet industry expectations and supporting regional economic development.”

The cafe will be integrated into the academic curriculum, with operations tied to core courses such as Internship. Students will rotate through various roles, including barista, cashier, prep cook, and expediter, to build a well-rounded skill set.

“We’re so excited about this grant because it gives us the chance to take our program to the next level,” said Natalie Feltz, Associate Professor of Culinary Arts and Program Coordinator of Culinary Arts and Pastry & Baking Arts. “The cafe will let our students experience the same challenges and expectations they’ll face in real life, but in a supportive learning environment. It’s hands-on training that truly prepares them for the workforce.”

Pierpont is partnering with Taylor McCartney of The Groove Coffee Shop to assist with barista training, menu development, and launch planning. The project is scheduled to begin on October 1, 2025, with full integration into the curriculum by January for the Spring 2026 semester.

For more information, contact Natalie Feltz at nfeltz@pierpont.edu. To learn more about Pierpont’s Food Service Management programs, visit Pierpont.edu.

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Pierpont Community & Technical College is dedicated to providing accessible, responsive, and quality education to students and businesses throughout North Central West Virginia. With a focus on career readiness and workforce development, Pierpont offers a wide range of academic programs and industry-focused training opportunities to support the region’s economic and workforce needs.

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