Culinary Academy: Program Highlights

The Art, Science, & Business of Food

The enlightening and exciting Culinary Institute of America (CIA) Culinary Academy is a unique summer culinary program for high school students, providing the opportunity to experience and explore all the field has to offer. During your time at the CIA, you will hear from and observe expert chefs in the kitchen, practice essential skills in cooking, baking, and pastry arts, and learn about the various other careers you can pursue in the food world—from business management to sustainable farming and beyond. You will also acquire skills for success that can be applied to any aspect of your life, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and organization.

Renowned Faculty Instructors

Learn about a variety of culinary subjects from expert faculty, such as:

• Paul DelleRose, Professor of Culinary Arts
• Jason Potanovich, Assistant Professor of Culinary Arts
• Sean Kahlenberg, Lecturing Instructor of Culinary Arts
• Stephen Eglinski, Associate Professor of Baking and Pastry Arts
• Certified Master Baker (CMB) Didier Berlioz, Assistant Professor of Baking and Pastry Arts
• Certified Master Baker (CMB) Genvieve Meli, Lecturing Instructor of Baking and Pastry Arts

Mise en Place

Explore both the philosophical and practical applications of this common culinary term that means “everything in its place” and represents the importance of organization and preparation in efficient cooking.

Hands-On Kitchen Skills and Techniques

Identify knives based on their purpose in the kitchen, learn how to use them safely, and practice common cutting techniques. See demonstrations of the standard processes for mixing, creaming, and pastry development, and try your hand at each.

Culinary Outside of the Kitchen

Discover the importance of sustainable farming and some of its common practices, explore what food business management entails as well as how the profession has changed, and sample the local cultural and culinary highlights of San Francisco or San Antonio, some of the country's major foodie destinations.

Mediterranean Cuisine

Hear about the history and culture that has influenced Mediterranean food, interact with commonly used ingredients in the cuisine, explore how and why this diet is currently being spotlighted, and use some of the traditional techniques and equipment to prepare a meal in this fashion.

Planning Your Future

Enjoy an admissions overview, a tour of the CIA at Copia or in San Antonio, and interactions with alumni and current CIA students—who are preparing for a variety of careers in the culinary field—to fully understand the opportunities available to you as you move forward in pursuit of your dreams.