Volunteer as a Partner in Education

Some of our strongest competition seasons happened because a chef adopted a team and worked with them once a month, then cheered “their” kids on when they took the stage. Some of our best field trips happened because a company opened its doors, helped us fund transportation, and let students see a real business in action. None of that comes from us — it comes from people like you.

How our Partners and volunteers show up:

  • Chefs who “adopt” a competitive team
  • Companies who sponsor field trips, send representatives to visit the school, and co-sign our grants
  • Organizations who join our annual Teach-In, help advertise our events, or participate in fundraisers
  • Parents and teachers who chaperone field trips, help during some of our bigger events, who support students during school-based projects (or bring snacks for hungry teenagers to eat while they work!)

All of these people are ADDitions Partners in Education, and they’re a vital part of what makes Wekiva Culinary special for our students.

A special note for parents: we need YOU for next year

Here’s something most people don’t realize: our parent volunteers graduate right alongside their kids. Every year, the parents who know how this program runs age out — and every year, we start over. Right now, we don’t have next year’s parent leadership lined up.

If your student still has a year or more left at Wekiva Culinary, this is your moment to step in — before this year’s institutional knowledge walks out the door with the seniors. We need both:

  • Leadership roles for next year — Advisory Board Members, President of the Culinary Booster Club, and Members of the Award Banquet Ad Hoc Committee
  • Recurring help throughout the year — chaperoning, event support, classroom help, and yes, snacks for hungry teenagers

If you’re a parent ready to step up — for one event or for the year — this is exactly the kind of Partner we need most. Interested in a leadership role specifically? Contact Chef Bates directly.

How to Sign Up

If you’re an individual wanting to volunteer, sign up as an ADDitions School Volunteer:

  1. Visit the ADDitions Volunteers page
  2. Click Get Started!
  3. Search “Wekiva High” and choose the opportunity that fits your schedule and interests
  4. Create your volunteer account (if you’re not already registered)

If you’re a business or organization wanting to become a Partner in Education, note that a partnership means committing to at least three activities per school year:

  1. Visit the Partners in Education page
  2. Click Join Partners in Education
  3. Search “Wekiva High” and choose the opportunity that fits your business
  4. Sign up and create your account (if you’re not already registered)

Want the full details first? Download the Partners in Education guide.

Questions about partnering specifically with Wekiva Culinary? Contact Chef Bates directly at christopher.bates@ocps.net or (407) 297-4900 ext 6192628.