HUGS TRAINING ACADEMY
What is the Training Academy
Hugs Training Academy is a 12-week culinary and hospitality training program specifically designed for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who seek to be employed in the food service and hospitality industries. Open to applicants age 14 and older, this proprietary and innovative program is the perfect opportunity to gain culinary skills and expertise to gain employment.
Class Location
There are two campuses to chose from:
McKinney Location
Trinity Presbyterian Church
5871 Virginia Pkwy
McKinney, TX 75071
Dallas Location
Dallas College
11830 Webb Chapel Rd #1200
Dallas, TX 75234
When the new HQ Building is complete, McKinney location will transition to that facility.
Cost
The cost to attend the Hugs Cafe Inc. Training Academy is $3,200 per semester. Scholarships are available.
Curriculum
The Hugs Training Academy curriculum is focused on providing entry level skills to students so they are ready to enter the workforce in the culinary or hospitality fields. Subjects covered at Hugs Training Academy include:
- Personal Responsibility
- Communication
- Attitude
- Learning
- Customer Service
- Industry and Work Specific Skills
- Food Prep
- Knife Skills
- Baking
- Bussing/Cleaning
- Dishwashing
Instructors
With over 120 years of combined special education and culinary teaching experience, our team of teachers have created one of the most unique and innovative programs to bring entry-levels jobs to a wider audience. Our goal is to offer an adaptive workplace learning experience to meet the needs of the many abilities in our community.
Class Day & Time
Class is taught two days a week. Class begins at 10am and end at 3pm each day.
- 10:00am-12:30pm Morning Session
- 12:30pm-1:00pm Lunch Break
- 1:00pm-3:00pm Afternoon Session
Semester Schedules
Dallas College Campus
Spring Semester 2026
January 20 – April 23
Summer Semester
June 9 – August 13
Fall Semester*
September 15 – December 10
*contigent on Dallas College Fall Schedule
McKinney Campus
Spring Semester
January 21 – April 20
Summer Semester
June 8 – August 12
Fall Semester
September 14 – December 9
Contact
Phone – 469-301-6900
Email – training@hugscafe.org
How to become a student:
Apply
Fill out Hugs Training Academy Application below
Contact
Be contacted by a member of the Hugs team to schedule an in-person assessment and student interview
Assessment
Complete in-person assessment and student interview. Provide necessary supporting documents.
Admission
Receive notice of program acceptance or recommendations and referrals
Finances
Arrange for payment. The first payment must be made before the first day of attending the program.
Begin
Student beings Hugs Training Academy on scheduled semester start date