About the Programs
Through Aveqia (Hospitality) and Apicius (Culinary), students gain hands-on learning aligned with Virginia’s SOLs and CTE standards.
Each pathway follows a five-stage model: Awareness, Discovery, Exploration, Immersion, and Mastery. These programs prepare students for life, college, and career through real-world learning and credentialing opportunities.
Aveqia introduces students to the world of hospitality—customer service, guest experience, event planning, and tourism—while Apicius explores culinary arts, baking, nutrition, and food entrepreneurship. Both programs function as stand-alone offerings that fit within existing SOL and CTE structures.
Six-Week Learning Framework:
Each program is structured around six-week instructional cycles that emphasize academic integration, hands-on practice, and reflection. These cycles build continuity throughout the academic year and across grade levels, supporting both student engagement and measurable outcomes.
A Closer Look into Aveqia & Apicius:
The Apicius Culinary Arts Program
Apicius offers a complete, progressive culinary pathway—from introductory cooking skills to professional-level accreditation.
This program serves as a launchpad for diverse careers in the food industry, including culinary arts, recipe development, food content creation, hospitality, and home economics. Through the art and science of cooking, Apicius expands students’ creativity, confidence, and career possibilities.
Students develop essential life skills that build independence and self-reliance, learning to cook for themselves, their families, and their communities. With global recipes, sustainable ingredients, and hands-on practice, the program sparks a love for cooking, culture, and innovation. Each course integrates menu planning, global techniques, food photography, and content creation—equipping students with both timeless culinary foundations and modern industry skills.
The Aveqia Hospitality Pathway
A comprehensive K–12 program that prepares students for successful careers in the hospitality, tourism, and service industries.
Built upon Virginia’s SOLs and CTE standards, it follows the same five-tier developmental framework — Awareness, Discovery, Exploration, Immersion, and Mastery — integrating academic learning with real-world hospitality experiences.
Hospitality represents one of the fastest-growing and most transferable skill industries worldwide. The Aveqia Pathway gives students the confidence, leadership, and customer service mindset needed to thrive in professional and community settings. Through team-based learning, communication training, and project experience, students develop practical skills that support careers and life readiness.
Get Involved in Apicius or Aveqia
The Apicius Culinary Arts and Aveqia Hospitality pathways thrive through collaboration — uniting educators, students, and industry champions to build a bridge between learning and life. Whether you’re teaching, studying, or leading in the field, your role helps shape the next generation of professionals who serve with skill, creativity, and heart.
For Teachers
Get Involved:
- Bring learning to life by connecting academic subjects to real-world hospitality and culinary applications.
- Inspire confidence, creativity, and teamwork in your students while aligning instruction to Virginia SOLs and CTE standards.
- Access ready-to-use digital lessons, pacing guides, recipes, and step-by-step instructional videos designed for any teaching background.
- Receive professional development and mentorship through Thirt13n’s Career-Connected Educator Network.
Your Role Includes:
- Facilitating 6-week project cycles and experiential labs
- Mentoring students on skill application and reflection
- Coordinating with industry mentors for guest lectures or site visits
- Evaluating student growth using Thirt13n’s Career Passport rubric
For Teachers
Why Get Involved:
- Explore hands-on, creative learning that connects what you learn in school to exciting career paths.
- Learn teamwork, leadership, and communication while mastering practical life skills.
- Earn recognized certifications — ServSafe, OSHA 10, Event Planning, and more — while discovering your unique strengths.
- Connect with mentors and employers through the Chat with a Champion digital platform and Thirt13n’s school-based apprenticeship network.
Your Experience Includes:
- Cooking, event planning, customer service, and entrepreneurship labs
- Work-based learning placements from 10th grade onward
- Career exploration through tours, competitions, and showcases
- Capstone projects leading to internships or apprenticeships
For Industry Leaders & Partners
Why Get Involved:
- Shape the future workforce by connecting students to meaningful experiences in your industry.
- Build brand awareness while making a measurable impact in your community.
- Partner with Thirt13n as an Industry Champion to mentor, sponsor, or host student learning events.
- Help design real-world challenges and showcase projects that reflect your organization’s values and expertise.
Your Role Includes:
- Adopt a school or 6-week learning cycle
- Offer shadowing, internships, or field experiences
- Sponsor student showcases, competitions, or travel opportunities
- Join Thirt13n’s Round Table as a thought leader for program innovation
The Shared Impact: Together, teachers, students, and industry leaders make Thirt13n’s pathways more than classes — they become career ecosystems. Each 6-week cycle strengthens connections, builds confidence, and prepares young people for success in the real world.
Partner With Aveqia & Apicius
Help us empower students with the skills, creativity, and real-world experiences they need to thrive in culinary arts, hospitality, tourism, and service-driven careers.