Decatur, IL – Richland Community College and the Children’s Museum of Illinois are cooking up plans to build a Teaching Kitchen.
Approved by the Richland Community College Board of Trustees in April, the partnership is designed to connect children and families with hands-on learning experiences and early exposure to career pathways through educational programming, workforce awareness, and community engagement.
The partnership represents an opportunity to extend Richland’s impact beyond campus by connecting children and families to educational opportunities and workforce pathways through interactive, hands-on experiences.
The partnership includes:
- $5,000 for career pathway signage highlighting workforce connections
- $60,000 capital investment to support construction of the Teaching Kitchen
- $125,000 multi-year pledge over five years to support ongoing programming within the Teaching Kitchen
The Teaching Kitchen will provide hands-on experiences focused on culinary skills, nutrition, science, and career exploration while introducing children and families to educational and workforce pathways through interactive learning opportunities.
In addition to supporting construction of the space, Richland’s five-year programming commitment will help ensure ongoing educational experiences and community programming within the Teaching Kitchen.
“This partnership reflects our commitment to expanding learning beyond the classroom and creating meaningful connections between education, workforce pathways, and our community,” said Dr. Cristobal Valdez, Richland Community College President. “The Children’s Museum of Illinois creates engaging, hands-on experiences for families, making it an ideal partner as we work together to inspire curiosity, learning, and future career exploration.”
“The Children’s Museum of Illinois is honored to partner with Richland Community College on this transformative project,” said Rikki Parker, Executive Director of the Children’s Museum of Illinois. “Food is one of the most powerful ways we connect: with our families, our community, and the people who grow what we eat. This teaching kitchen will give children and families hands-on opportunities to learn, create, and explore, while also opening doors to future careers. We’re excited to bring this space to life for our community.”
The partnership also reflects Richland’s continued commitment to community engagement and creating meaningful educational experiences beyond the classroom.
Construction of the Teaching Kitchen will continue throughout summer 2026, with the space expected to open to the public in late September. Additional details regarding the official opening celebration and community programming will be announced at a later date.