A certificate program offered through an educational alliance between Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) and La Cocina VA, a nonprofit organization that generates workforce and economic development, will allow unemployed Hispanics to obtain skills in the food service industry and improve their employment opportunities.
La Cocina VA and NOVA recognize the additional challenges that the 2.2 million unemployed members of Hispanic communities often face in job attainment, such as low English proficiency and lack of access to training programs. Frequently, occupational training programs are not targeted toward groups who have limited English skills or low educational attainment. This further prevents Hispanic immigrants from gaining the skills they need to obtain a sustainable income and pursue a growing career path.
The Migration Policy Institute (MPI) has identified training programs that provide language instruction contextualized for the workplace along with skills training as the most effective way to meet the needs of immigrant workers.
La Cocina VA has announced the opening of the Competency Certification Course for the fall of 2014. The program will have approximately 30 openings for students and offer 14 weeks of instruction in bilingual culinary skills, Servsafe Certification and Vocational English Instruction. The course also includes a 40-hour internship experience at local commercial restaurants and hotels.
Participants will earn double certification – one from NOVA through Continuing Education Units (CEU) for the Culinary Arts and Vocational English Instruction – and a Servsafe Food Manager Certification issued by the National Restaurant Association.
Patricia Funegra, executive director of La Cocina VA, emphasized that those graduating from the program will also receive placement support through partnerships with food service and hospitality businesses in the Washington Metropolitan Area.
Funegra said that support from NOVA’s Workforce Development Division in designing and implementing this program is a key component of success and a solid contribution to generating sustainable job opportunities.
Funegra explained that participants will take 14 weeks’ worth of classes in four separate subjects.
Recent Stories

The most anticipated night of the year is almost here! This Saturday, May 31, step into the romance, elegance, and charm of Paris—without ever leaving Washington, DC.
Join us for An Evening in Paris, an unforgettable soirĂ©e celebrating the best of French culture. Experience an immersive evening filled with gourmet French cuisine, refined wines, captivating live music, and the irresistible ambiance of the City of Light. Whether you’re a lifelong Francophile or simply love a night of sophistication, this is a celebration you won’t want to miss.
✨ Highlights of the evening include:

Calling all WSHS Class of 1975 graduates! Our class has planned our 50-Year Class Reunion to be held September 26-28, 2025 in Woodbridge, Virginia. Reunion details and registration information are available to be sent to you.
To find out more, please email our reunion committee at [email protected]
Your Weight Matters National Convention
Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.
This unique Convention truly has something
Van Metre 5K Run
Participate in the 33rd Annual Van Metre 5K Run—a race that goes further than 3.1 miles, where every stride you take supports Children’s National Hospital. The Van Metre 5K Run donates 100% of proceeds to Children’s National Hospital and has