The Hospitality Institute of Montgomery County Community College

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The Hospitality Institute of Montgomery County Community College

Where future chefs sharpen their craft, explore bold flavors, and learn to lead kitchens with confidence!

Welcome to The Hospitality Institute of Montgomery County Community College – the region’s home for innovative, affordable culinary arts education and training. Whether you’re a student eager to jump-start a culinary career, a professional needing to hone your skills, or a culinary enthusiast wanting to indulge your passion, you’ll find what you’re looking for here. What makes us stand out from th

e crowd?

- Associate degree programs, certificate programs, apprenticeship programs, and non-credit courses offered for a fraction of the cost of private culinary institutes
- Curricula that are aligned with today’s culinary education standards and combine academic study with hands-on, lab-based learning in a professional kitchen setting
- Instruction from accomplished chef-instructors with just the right blend of modern and classical cooking techniques
- State-of-the-art kitchens and equipment, three SMART classrooms, and a retail café/bakeshop where you can develop real-world food preparation and customer service skills
- Guidance from academic advisors and access to our Career Coach site
- Externship training lead by our on-site Career Coach to prepare you for employment in a competitive, growing field

04/03/2026

There’s nothing better than learning a new skill—and getting to eat it afterward! 🍽️ Our pasta making class brought the community together for a hands‑on culinary experience filled with creativity and flavor!

What class would you come to?

02/18/2026

🍳We’re having so much fun cooking our way through the spring culinary series! Our chefs‑in‑training have been whipping up all kinds of delicious dishes and this peek into Brunch Basics is just the start.

If you’ve been thinking about jumping into a class, now’s your moment — pasta, bagels, vegan plates, and tons more are on the menu. Grab a friend or bring the whole family and join us for some hands‑on kitchen magic!

To register for a class, click here: https://www.mc3.edu/degrees-and-programs/hospitality-institute/community-workshops-schedule

08/15/2024

This is your sign to get yourself a steak 🥩
Steak prepared by our culinary students during the spring semester 😋

03/31/2024

We are closing out Women's History Month with our very own Institute Director!

Meet Karima Roepel:
Karima is the Director of the Hospitality Institute! The industry of hospitality has always played a part in Karima’s life. “My great grandmother and grandmother- to my living father & mother (still) love creating/hosting a great experience for guests. This is before it is a recognized business and industry.”
The Business of Hospitality, particularly Tourism and Food/Beverage, have existed since before humans traveled to see the pyramids. Over the last 25 years, Karima has been able to combine the Hospitality Industry- more specifically event planning, entrepreneurship, and Culinary Education- into her Business and Professional Life. “It’s really the Chefs Kiss!”
When asked about some of the challenges faced as a Hospitality Director, Karima says that working with mediocre mindsets can be the biggest hurdle- mindsets that get stuck in the old set of ways. The industry is constantly evolving the same way that the customer is. “I continue to stay connected with my mentors and develop myself professionally.”
Karima is currently directing her team towards a new adventure as we open our brand-new facility this year! Be sure to stay connected with her and the Hospitality Institute for all that is to come!

03/30/2024

Meet Mariska Bogle:
Mariska is the Director of Tourism & Hospitality Management at Philadelphia Academics, Inc. She was introduced to the industry by serving on Hospitality boards which provided a unique perspective. “Personally, I was fueled by the promise of new cultures, creating memorable experiences, and leaving a positive impact on people’s lives. I was always drawn to travel, interesting destinations, luxury hotels and the thrill of orchestrating events. When I got into the business, I knew I found my calling.”
Mariska has found multiple aspects of the hospitality institute very rewarding. She has had the pleasure of crafting tailored experiences for travelers and enjoyed curating moments and translating desires into tangible memories. Her current career path is empowering the next generation of tourism and hospitality professionals. “Guiding high school students toward a vibrant industry is exciting. Through Master Classes with industry partners and campus visits where they will hone their skills – I really enjoying helping to open a whole new world for them. It fuels my passion.”

03/29/2024

The Hospitality Institute loves to support all "Mom & Pop Shop" Small Businesses in our community!
Thank you for sharing your passion, expertise, and love with us every day!

03/28/2024

Meet Helen Kang:
Helen is a Culinary Arts Instructor at the Hospitality Institute, with a degree from the Culinary Institute of America and a Master’s in Food Studies and Food Management from New York University. Helen also caters and designs wedding cakes when she is not teaching our culinary students!
Ever since she was a little girl, Helen had loved to cook, starting out by helping her mother in the kitchen. She loves to feed her family and friends. Helen was offered a private scholarship by a large food company in Korea and her education and passion continued from there!
While being a chef can be physically demanding, with the extended work hours and high busy seasons, it is still such a rewarding field. Helen says there is no task too demanding if you are in the field you love. A quote that she loves to live by is one from Audrey Hepburn: “Nothing is impossible; the word itself says ‘I’m possible!’”

03/27/2024

Meet Megan Tomlinson:
Megan is the Executive Director of Events, Membership and Services at the Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board. Megan originally went to school for Special Education, but decided to change career paths after accepting a position on the Sales Team at the Valley Forge Convention Center and has not looked back since!
Megan loves the ability to travel, meet different people across the industry, and the opportunity to learn about so many different aspects of the industry. While we all face challenges in this everchanging field, Megan takes the time to read about current trends and is always looking at other events and shows to help stay creative and innovative. It is important to not keep doing things the same way as you did them last time. We are always learning, so take every advantage to do so!
A quote for women in the industry to always remember: “It's kind of Fun to do the Impossible." -Walt Disney.

03/25/2024

Meet Emily Pigeon:
Emily, a Montco Alum, is the General Manager of Blossom Café in Skippack. Previously, she was an Event Coordinator running weddings and large events as well as a Restaurant Manager and Administrator.
Emily grew up working in restaurants and has always loved the high-energy environment and she loves that food is central to our lives and truly brings people together. “As someone who enjoys cooking and baking, feeding people is my love language. There's nothing I love more than a freshly baked dessert and a cup of coffee. When I got the opportunity to open my own coffee shop, I couldn't pass it up!”
Emily started this business out of passion and has been able to create a successful team of amazing women! Starting a small business comes with its challenges, but Emily finds it rewarding to see how much they can grow, learn, and adapt. Owning her own business has also allowed her to emulate her own values in the business, such as being eco-conscious and community-focused, which is incredibly fulfilling to be able to create a positive impact!
Next time you are strolling through Skippack, be sure to stop in and grab a coffee and treat from Emily!

03/24/2024

Meet Nichole Kang:
Nichole is the Director of the Wellness Center at Montgomery County Community College, with a Ph.D in Lifespan Development Psychology. Nichole also runs the Food Pantry at the College, providing free and healthy choices to the students on campus. The Hospitality Institute donates full meals to the Wellness Center to reduce waste in our program and to support our students and community.
Nichole loves having the ability to make positive impact on the lives of others, particularly those who are marginalized. It is most rewarding to watch others grow in their ability to lead happy and successful lives. “I am blown away by the talent of our students and my peers at Montco. Being able to support their growth is amazing!”
Nichole says it can be really hard to keep focused on your particular circle of influence when there are so many bigger issues outside of your control. I always have to remind myself that I am one person, we are one small department, and we have to do the most good with the resources we have available and cannot take on the whole world.

03/23/2024

Meet Džana Badnjević:
Dzana is the Events & Special Projects Coordinator for the Mayor’s Office of the City Representative. She studied Tourism & Hospitality in college and was able to experience the extent of the events world and how much of a necessity it is in all industries, and she just loves to bring people together.
Dzana thinks that the connections she has made in this industry has been the most rewarding part of her career. “Each person has played a significant role in gaining knowledge of the industry and helping me form my career. It is even more rewarding when the world comes full circle and I get to work with them again.”
“Because events are constantly changing and there is so much to learn, it is possible to experience imposter syndrome, especially when starting new jobs. There have been many instances where this has happened to me, but I overcome it by reminding myself of my accomplishments that have led me to my current position and creating an environment where everyone is supportive of each other’s accomplishments as well.”

Address

340 Dekalb Pike
Blue Bell, PA
19422

Telephone

+12676465970

Website

http://www.mc3.edu/culinary

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