A couple recent stories highlight how trade schools offer hope to people, perhaps especially at “times like these.”

The Food Network reality show “The Chef Jeff Project” recently featured former crack dealer Alonzo Adams. Adams won a scholarship to the International Culinary School, after completing the show. Chef Jeff himself did time, ten years for various drug offences. After his feature, Chef Jeff chronicled Henderson’s attempts to go back to East LA and transform the lives of young adults through his newfound Los Angeles-based catering company. The full story is here. Find out more about cooking and culinary schools.

Meanwhile, a Tallahassee Florida program is providing the opportunity for recently laid off workers to return to school for trades training. Read more here.