The Resourceful Chef: Teaching Life Skills and Nourishing Self-Sufficiency at Korematsu Discovery Academy

Tucked in the heart of East Oakland is a small but vibrant community where learning feels joyful and intentional, the Fred T. Korematsu Discovery Academy. KDA serves students from TK-5th grade with its one true mission woven into every corner of the school: to nurture children into confident thinkers, compassionate leaders, and active shapers of the world; a mission that resonates well with the core of our org, the Digital Dreamers.

Where KDA and Digital Dreamers’ Visions Meet

Here at Digital Dreamers, our mission is to create learning experiences that nurture curiosity, celebrate diversity, and empower every child to grow with confidence, echoing KDA’s commitment to community, belonging, and joyful learning. This shared commitment allows us to extend beyond traditional learning environments in schools, and reach even one of the best places to unleash skills and creativity, the kitchen. 

Inside KDA’s Kitchen Classroom and this Fall’s “Pantry Raid”

This fall, we were honored to work in one of KDA’s classrooms for our culinary afterschool program. While the limited equipment presented certain constraints, it only fueled our passion for this season’s goal: teaching students the value of resourcefulness through what we call “Pantry Raid”.

Our focus was on nurturing the students’ creativity and ability to make the best use of the resources in their own pantries. Students eagerly measured, mixed, and transformed simple, common ingredients into meals they could be proud of. However, the experience was more than just about cooking. It was about building practical life skills and, most importantly, independence. We wanted students to see the kitchen as a space for learning, creativity, and confidence, while also giving them the freedom to explore nutrition and understand how common everyday ingredients contribute to delicious but nutritious meals.