What Happens When Culinary Arts Meet Second Chances?
38
culinary courses created by Edwins
320,000+
incarcerated learners engaged
1.37M
hours spent by incarcerated learners
2.6M
Edwins courses completed
1,300
correctional facilities reached
The Problem: Reentry Barriers and Limited Career Pathways
Each year, more than 600,000 people return home from incarceration in the United States. Despite their desire to rebuild their lives, many face steep obstacles: limited access to job training while incarcerated, widespread stigma from employers, and few opportunities for meaningful skill development. This cycle reinforces recidivism, economic instability, and social disconnection.
In the food and hospitality sector, a $1 trillion industry, demand for skilled labor is high, yet many incarcerated individuals lack access to the necessary training and industry pathways. The question was obvious: What would it look like to equip people inside with real culinary skills and career support before they return home?
EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute
EDWINS is more than just a restaurant in Cleveland, Ohio, it’s a movement redefining reentry through world-class hospitality training and holistic support. EDWINS trains justice-impacted individuals in culinary arts, restaurant operations, and leadership. Graduates leave with tangible job skills, industry certifications, and access to a supportive alumni network.
Why This Matters
The barriers to successful reentry are immense, but EDWINS is rewriting that story. Through its award-winning model that combines culinary arts training, wraparound reentry support, and a commitment to dignity, EDWINS has helped thousands of individuals rebuild their lives post-incarceration. By partnering with Edovo, EDWINS can now extend its impact far beyond its Cleveland campus—reaching learners inside facilities nationwide. On Edovo, EDWINS doesn’t just teach culinary fundamentals; it creates a pipeline for incarcerated learners to explore, prepare for, and envision a future in the culinary arts. The program helps identify those who are most passionate about food and hospitality, giving them a head start on mastering the craft and accessing EDWINS’ full in-person reentry experience after release. It’s not just about second chances—it’s about opening doors to careers, confidence, and community.
The Words That Say It All
Countless incarcerated learners have praised EDWINS for their incredible curriculum. Here what a few have to say.
Real Impact Through Digital Learning
The EDWINS program on Edovo offers more than just culinary instruction—it immerses incarcerated learners in the craft, culture, and career potential of the culinary world. Through a thoughtfully designed digital curriculum, learners engage with:
- High-quality video demonstrations teaching foundational techniques like knife skills, kitchen safety, and plating
- Culinary theory lessons covering essential topics such as stocks and sauce creation, food preparation, and safety & sanitation
- Culinary service lessons including professionalism in the kitchen and steps of service
- Real-life testimonials from EDWINS alumni and chefs who’ve used their training as a springboard to success
The Edovo platform allows learners to explore their interest in culinary arts at their own pace, helping surface those with a deep passion and aptitude for the field. For many, it becomes the first step toward a post-release future that includes continued training with EDWINS or employment in a professional kitchen. It’s a visual hands-on, values-driven approach to building confidence, skills, and long-term opportunity.
Creating real impact inside and outside correctional walls
38
culinary courses created by Edwins
320,000+
incarcerated learners engaged
1.37M
hours spent by incarcerated learners
2.6M
Edwins courses completed
1,300
correctional facilities reached
