A unique graduation ceremony was held this weekend for some Brooklyn high schoolers. They’re finishing a culinary arts program meant to teach them more than just cooking. It’s a one of kind program in Brownsville. 10 young chefs are learning everything from knife skills to grilling techniques , with all of it translating to life skills — run by a group you might not expect. “That’s what we do as officers, we serve,” said Det. Jarrett Akins, one of the New York City Police Department officers leading the culinary arts program. It’s a partnership between the NYPD and Brownsville Community Culinary Center. The program is designed to keep young people off the streets. “It’s an opportunity for the police department to create an environment where the community from a youth perspective can have a relationship, a healthy relationship, with the police department,” Akins explained to NBC New York. According to Capt. Jackeline Bodden, a commanding officer focused on youth strategies, “a lot of times when you do see programs, you see basketball or sports-related, so we wanted to give the kids a little something different.” The students involved this time are part of the third group to finish the 8-week program. “It builds teamwork, practical life skills, nutrition,” said NYPD Officer Melissa Hobbs. The work culminates in a pop-up restaurant for the students’ friends and family and a graduation ceremony. Some of the students, like Alexa Williams, already plan to go to culinary school. “I feel like everybody needs these skills,” she said. The program hopes to expand, to serve up brighter futures for the teens. “It just opens up a brand new door that the city and the youth haven’t really experienced before,” said NYPD . Sgt. Johnny Hines III. The program is in high demand with a wait list to join. Throughout the training, students also cook free meals for people in the Brownsville community. ...read more read less