Spend six days at the Culinary Institute of America mastering techniques alongside renowned chefs. This program helps high school students find their passion and discover culinary career possibilities.
You're one step closer to an unforgettable experience. Tell us a bit about yourself and we'll get you the latest program info and connect you with our admissions team for personalized support. Ready to get started?
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Your Journey into the Culinary World Starts Here
Picture yourself in a professional kitchen at one of America's most prestigious culinary schools. You're wearing your chef's whites, knife in hand, working alongside expert chefs and classmates who share your passion. Together, you'll create authentic Mediterranean dishes, perfect golden eclairs, and restaurant-quality meals worthy of your camera roll.
Over six days at the Culinary Institute of America's (CIA) Hyde Park campus, you'll master knife skills that would take months to learn on your own, understand the science behind why a soufflé rises and a sauce breaks, and hear from professionals who've built careers in everything from sustainable farming to restaurant management. You'll discover that working with food means so much more than you might think.
This CIA program powered by Envision launched in 2019 and welcomes high school students at all skill levels. Whether you're considering culinary school or simply want to level up your kitchen game, you'll leave with skills, confidence, and clarity about your next steps.
Grades:
9-12
Duration:
6 Days
Format:
Residential
Starting Price:
$3,999.00
Locations, program content, and speakers are subject to change.
Envision by WorldStrides
For over 40 years, Envision—part of the WorldStrides family—has helped students from elementary through high school explore their interests and uncover what excites them most. Our immersive programs are built with educators and industry experts to support career exploration, leadership growth, and college prep. Along the way, students build real-world skills, boost their confidence, and start to see a clearer path toward their future.
What Makes This Experience Extraordinary
Master Professional Kitchen Techniques
Learn the fundamental skills that separate home cooks from professionals. Work in state-of-the-art kitchens where you'll practice knife techniques, understand mise en place, and create dishes that look as impressive as they taste.
Learn from CIA's Renowned Faculty
Get direct instruction from chefs and industry experts who've built careers in every corner of the food world. Their insights go beyond recipes to show you what's really possible in culinary careers.
Experience Fine Dining and Restaurant Innovation
Go behind the scenes at CIA's acclaimed on-campus restaurants and develop your own restaurant concept from menu to business plan.
Explore the CIA Campus and College Experience
Tour the campus, attend an admissions overview, and get a genuine feel for what student life looks like at one of the world's top culinary colleges.
Skills and Experiences You'll Take Home
Professional Knife Skills and Safety
Master different types of knives, their specific purposes, and proper safety protocols. Perform common cutting techniques with precision and confidence.
Foundational Culinary Methods
Practice standard cooking processes including mixing, creaming, and pastry development. Understand the science behind baking and how ingredient functions create successful dishes.
Cultural Food Knowledge
Explore Mediterranean food traditions and their cultural influences. Learn to identify and develop flavor profiles using various techniques and ingredients.
Career Clarity and Life Skills
Discover diverse career opportunities in the culinary field, from chef roles to food business management. Develop problem-solving, critical thinking, and organizational skills that apply beyond the kitchen.
Dates, Locations, & Tuition
What does the price include?
What does the price include?
Tuition includes room & board, site visits & transportation during the program, lectures, simulations, curriculum & materials, college credit, and faculty & staff.
We are currently evaluating all aspects of the Culinary Experience and may make changes to the curriculum, site visits or program location to ensure the program meets the most up-to-date health and safety standards.
Payment Options
We offer scholarships, fundraising support, payment plans, and other options to help make your program affordable.
The following is a sample itinerary based on past courses; actual itineraries may vary.
Day 1
You'll arrive, get settled, and meet your fellow culinarians.
Receive your chef's hat, marking your official entry into the culinary world.
Meet your Advisor and classroom group, participate in icebreakers, set expectations, and begin your journey as a team.
Day 2
Recipe Overview & Lecture Explore various techniques and skills used in recipes
Prepare meals using the techniques discussed in the morning lecture
Eat lunch made from your own kitchen work
Physiology of Taste
Tour the CIA campus to get a sense of what the school's all about.
Enjoy dinner at on-campus restaurant, The Egg
Day 3
The day starts with an olive oil tasting that will change how you think about this ingredient.
Hear everything you need to know about CIA's programs & application requirements.
Visit the Student Commons for lunch at the Egg.
Learn about the Mediterranean diet's health benefits and why it receives so much attention.
Head into the kitchen to prepare authentic regional dishes.
Dig into the dinner you made yourself during production
Day 4
Explore various techniques and skills used in recipes
Prepare meals using the techniques discussed in the morning lecture
Enjoy the lunch you prepared and check out your progress in the kitchen.
Understand the skills and educational pathways required for various culinary careers
Enjoy dinner at Educational Dining, where you'll observe professional restaurant service in action.
Day 5
Learn the art of baking in the morning's Bake Shop Production session, creating classic eclairs you'll box and take home.
Using what you’ve learned throughout the week, you’ll spend the afternoon developing a restaurant concept and 3-course meal plan
Experience fine dining at Bocuse, prepared by CIA students and faculty.
Celebrate your accomplishments with your fellow chefs.
Day 6
Say goodbye to your new friends and head home with a clearer vision of your future.
Favorite Scenes from Culinary Experience
Health & Safety
Travel with confidence knowing you're never alone out there. When you choose Envision by WorldStrides, you've got an entire support network working around the clock to keep you safe.
We work with Exlog, a top international security company, and keep a close eye on updates from the State Department and CDC. This helps us make smart, informed decisions about keeping our travelers safe.
Extensive Preparation
We're constantly researching our destinations and getting real-time alerts so we always know what's happening around the world. Before you leave, we'll make sure you have all the important info you need about where you're headed.
Local Support
Our support network reaches everywhere, so you've got local help no matter where you are. Whether it's a natural disaster, someone gets sick, or anything else unexpected happens, our team is ready to help 24/7.
"The kitchen time and raw hands on experience was the most impactful part. Beyond just being a confidence booster and simply fun, I really feel like I’m going outside of the comfort zone to prepare a fully fledged Mediterranean meal, my eyes were opened to just how much I enjoy this cooking, and to some of my underlying passion"
Student, Satisfaction Survey
"The program enhanced the way she works in the kitchen. It also gave her a better insight into the culinary experience she’s been taught by those she assists at church who are in the culinary field"
Parent, Satisfaction Survey
"The kitchen time and raw hands on experience was the most impactful part. Beyond just being a confidence booster and simply fun, I really feel like I’m going outside of the comfort zone to prepare a fully fledged Mediterranean meal, my eyes were opened to just how much I enjoy this cooking, and to some of my underlying passion"
Student, Satisfaction Survey
"The program enhanced the way she works in the kitchen. It also gave her a better insight into the culinary experience she’s been taught by those she assists at church who are in the culinary field"
Parent, Satisfaction Survey
Culinary Experience FAQs
What's included in tuition?
Tuition includes all instruction, activities, materials, kitchen time, meals during the program, and linens. You'll need to arrange your own transportation to and from Hyde Park, NY. Airport shuttle service is available for an additional fee.
Will I get college credit for this program?
This is a pre-college summer program designed to give you hands-on experience and insight into culinary education. While you won't earn college credit, you will gain valuable knowledge and experience that can strengthen your culinary school applications.
What will I actually make in the kitchen?
You'll prepare a variety of dishes including authentic Mediterranean cuisine, classic French eclairs with tempered chocolate, and multiple complete meals. Every dish you make, you'll understand the technique and science behind it. You'll take home your eclairs and recipes to recreate your favorite dishes.
Can I visit the campus before committing to the program?
While we don't offer separate preview visits for this summer program, the program itself includes a comprehensive campus tour and admissions overview. If you're interested in CIA as a college option, we encourage you to check the CIA website for their campus visit opportunities.
What level of cooking experience do I need?
No prior professional experience is necessary. We welcome students at all skill levels, from those who've never worked in a kitchen to experienced home cooks. CIA faculty will meet you where you are and help you grow from there.
Your Nomination Makes An Impact
For over 40 years, Envision’s programs have helped students discover their passion, test drive careers, and develop as leaders. Give students an opportunity to reach their full potential by nominating them today.
