Main Content Start
A Center for the Study of Food
Brightwater
Brightwater
Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food
As an an academic division of NWACC, Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food offers holistic programming with academic and career training in the areas of culinary nutrition, artisanal food, baking & pastry arts and beverage management. Students and professionals can gain world-class training at any point of their journey into the world of food. Brightwater is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and the American Culinary Federation.
Located in Bentonville's 8th Street Market complex, Brightwater is committed to strengthening
local food networks and community awareness of social issues surrounding food in northwest
Arkansas - namely food insecurity and food waste.
Artisanal Foods
If you have a passion to acquire fundamental culinary skills and aspire to work in professional kitchens, Brightwater offers programming in artisanal foods. You'll be encouraged to take creative liberties with ingredients, methods and presentation.
Baking & Pastry Arts
Baking is an incredibly useful skill. By participating in the baking and pastry arts program, you'll have the opportunity to learn how to bake cakes, breads and classical pastries from a novice level to advanced mastery.
Beverage Programs
Interested in honing your palate and wine tasting skills? By partnering with WSET (Wine & Spirits Educational Trust), Brightwater provides certification programs in wine and spirits. Courses are offered to enrolled students, and open to the community for beverage hobbyists.
Culinary Arts
In this comprehensive program, you'll learn how food is grown, transported and processed. You'll understand the impact of flavor, as well as how food impacts human health and the environment.
On-Site Greenhouse
Brightwater is proud to partner with Cobblestone Farms to grow produce on campus. Cobblestone donates a portion of produce grown to food-insecure families and to classroom programming.
Mobile Food Lab
Brightwater's Mobile Food Lab provides you with hands-on training in food preparation, food service and customer service. Find the lab at the downtown Bentonville Farmer's Market on Saturday mornings.
Venue Rental
Brightwater's state-of-the-art facilities are available for third parties to rent for off-site meetings, conferences and events. Room options include a commons area, conference room, demonstration theater and more.
Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food
Brightwater was conceived to be more than a typical cooking school. Our holistic programming, as well as our location within the 8th Street Market complex ensures that you get the most from your culinary education.
Take a Tour
Brightwater offers facility tours on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Custom and/or school group tours available upon request. Please be sure to select your campus tour for Brightwater.
Partner With Us
Brightwater continues to thrive and benefit the community by way of sponsorships, collaboration and donations. If you would like to partner with the center by donating your company's product for student use, funds for programming and scholarships, or by volunteering your time, please contact us! We appreciate your support.