Cooking up careers through IN2WORK

 Aramark, one of the nation’s top food and facilities service providers, has launched a new culinary track as part of its IN2WORK (I2W) program. The company’s IN2WORK, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, helps prepare people who are incarcerated to find meaningful work after release. 

Aramark helps graduates succeed after incarceration

“IN2WORK is integral to our mission, and our team is always looking for ways to help returning citizens have a successful career path,” says Tim Barttrum, president and CEO of Aramark Correctional Services. “Adding a culinary track to our I2W program – which already has food service and warehousing paths – just made sense as hospitality partners.”

I2W teaches participants culinary skills that are intended to help them find employment post release. Over the past two decades it has produced more than 19,700 graduates, with 370 interns currently working and 591 graduates hired in permanent jobs after incarceration.

IN2WORK’s new culinary track focuses on three areas

The new culinary track will be piloted by the Kansas Department of Corrections and consists of three phases:

1. Food Safety & Sanitation – This phase covers essential hygiene practices that work to prevent foodborne illnesses.
2. Nutrition 101 – This phase introduces the principals of a balanced diet and healthy eating habits.
3. Introduction to Culinary Arts – In this phase, students learn foundational cooking techniques and become familiar with culinary terminology.

Those who graduate from all three phases and who have a high school diploma, GED or 75 continuing education hours will be eligible to earn the Certified Fundamentals Cook certification from the American Culinary Federation.

“We’re proud to be the first to pilot the new culinary track of the IN2WORK program here in Kansas,” says Jeff Zmuda, secretary of corrections for the Kansas Department of Corrections. “Over the past two years, 224 KDOC residents have graduated from IN2WORK. And we’ve seen firsthand how education, combined with hands-on training and industry-recognized certifications, creates a powerful recipe for successful reentry.”

After a successful pilot, Aramark plans to expand new elements of its IN2WORK program within its existing operations in correctional facilities nationwide. Already active in more than 32 states, the effort focuses on broadening access and strengthening available services rather than launching a new initiative from the ground up.

Aramark launches new website for IN2WORK

In addition to the new culinary track, Aramark has created IN2WORK.org, a website that further assists program graduates in their careers post-release. It provides information and support in three areas:

• Workforce Navigator – This educational resource includes everything from an in-depth self-based curriculum on the various aspects of personal finance to links to articles on how to create Word and Excel documents, put together a resume and create a LinkedIn profile.

• Employment – Graduates can use this section of the website to contact a workforce development manager, who will help them explore job possibilities at Aramark or other fair chance employers. They can also use the site’s virtual assistant to help them search for jobs online.

• IN2WORK Scholarship – Graduates of the IN2WORK program are eligible to apply for a scholarship of $2,500 that can be used towards tuition at an accredited two- or four-year college, university or vocational-technical school. These scholarships are offered twice a year, and applicants can apply once a year for up to four years.

Hopeful Pathways to Growth and Advancement

Through the culinary track, participants have the opportunity to develop more than technical skills. The program encourages the growth of confidence, resilience and a strong work ethic, while, at the same time, fostering teamwork, leadership and problem-solving abilities. With support from workforce development managers, career counseling through IN2WORK.org and local community job centers, graduates can pursue promotions, professional certifications and long-term career opportunities after release. They can apply the knowledge and skills they learned to work in restaurants, hotels, hospitals, schools and community programs. The type of jobs graduates of the program are able to obtain offer stability, growth and a chance to build a successful future for themselves and their families.

Posted on December 30, 2025 by Jails to Jobs