Donation to help Costa Academy expand programs

F&M Trust has pledged $12,500 to Costa Academy to expand its programming. 

Costa Academy, a culinary arts school in Chambersburg, which educates students through a style of teaching that fosters engagement, provokes confident decision-making, and inspires leadership, will expand to offer classes to post-high school and other adult students, the company said.  

Costa Academy, which is housed at The Orchards restaurant, 1580 Orchard Dr., has educated high school students through an alternative education program since 2016.  

“Having a culinary program that educates students of all ages to have the skills required for a career in the food industry means a lot more than most think,” Costa Academy Executive Director Michael Kalathas said. “I thank F&M Trust for understanding our vision and for seeing the impact this will have for our entire community.” 

The program’s approach is to help students develop their purpose, define their place in society, cultivate relationships with diverse populations, and positively impact their community, he said. Core values of the academy include excellence, integrity, authenticity, and generosity. 

“Franklin County is one of the fastest-growing counties in Pennsylvania and offers many opportunities in the food services industry. But the nearest culinary school is more than 50 miles away in York,” said Tim Henry, president and CEO of F&M Trust. “The bank makes this donation to support educational opportunities locally for students interested in pursuing culinary careers.” 

Upon graduation, Costa Academy students will be ready to work in the hospitality industry, catering, restaurants, retail food industry, institutional and commercial dining, leisure and recreation industry, and food manufacturers and wholesalers, Kalathas said.