Freehold, N.J. – Monmouth County Vocational School District (MCVSD) has a longstanding partnership with Seabrook Village in Tinton Falls that has grown even stronger over time. The district recently recognized the senior living community as its 2023 Business Partner of the Year, noting how real-world learning experiences significantly advance Culinary Arts and Health Occupations and Nursing students along their career paths.

Seabrook Village has hosted students in the Culinary Arts externship program for the past 15 years. Working within the community’s professional kitchen, students learn from seasoned professionals as they apply and refine their culinary skills and acquire crucial, real-world experience.

“Seabrook Village plays an indispensable role in our students’ accomplishments, arming them with practical skills that ensure their graduation from our high school program leaves them well-prepared for both collegiate pursuits and diverse career pathways,” said MCVSD’s Work-Based Learning Administrator and Principal of the Culinary Education Center, Jaime Soto.

Seabrook Village’s commitment to MCVSD Culinary students is further exemplified through its innovative $500 signing bonus, a compelling incentive that encourages students to consider Seabrook Village as an employer and recognizes the substantial value of MCVSD’s Culinary training program.

“The high number of graduates from the program who are now gainfully employed within our facility is a clear indicator of this success,” said Seabrook Village’s Executive Chef, Talib Mohmed.

In recent years, Seabrook Village has extended its support to MCVSD’s Health Occupations and Nursing program. This enables students to conduct clinical training at Seabrook Village. The experience helps students bridge the gap between classroom instruction and real patient care, preparing them effectively for state certification exams. It also introduces them to viable career options in senior living and exposure to professionals who they can learn from and maintain a connection with as they progress throughout their educational and career journeys.

Seabrook Village started a scholarship program for these future healthcare professionals, offering up to $15,000 for students to continue their post-secondary education in the field if, in turn, they commit to 2,000 hours of work at the community over two years. This scholarship underscores Seabrook Village’s dedication to MCVSD students by providing financial support and recognition for hard work.

By fostering a connection between education and industry for students in both the Culinary and Health Occupations and Nursing programs, Seabrook Village enhances students’ understanding of these fields and empowers them to make informed career decisions, laying a solid foundation for their future employment endeavors. MCVSD shines a spotlight on Seabrook Village’s multifaceted support with the 2023 Business Partner of the Year honor and anticipates continued growth based on the community’s expressed intention to work with even more of the district’s vocational programs.

“In the realm of teamwork, partnerships, and collaboration, the Monmouth County Vocational Culinary Program and Health Occupations and Nursing Program, together with Seabrook Village, craft a recipe for success: nourishing minds, cultivating skills, and savoring the sweet taste of partnership—where every ingredient contributes to a brighter, shared future,” said Seabrook Village’s Director of Dining Services, Mary Beth Sheehan, R.D.