Culinary Experience at CIA Hyde Park

Master professional techniques at the Culinary Institute of America. Join this six-day immersive experience for high school students to build skills, confidence, and explore culinary careers.
Culinary Experience at CIA Hyde Park

Picture yourself in a professional kitchen at the world-renowned Culinary Institute of America (CIA) Hyde Park. This six-day residential program powered by Envision transforms high school students from home cooks into aspiring professionals. Under the mentorship of expert chefs, you will move beyond basic recipes to master the fundamentals of culinary arts.

From perfecting knife safety to understanding the science behind pastries and creating authentic Mediterranean dishes, you will gain hands-on experience in state-of-the-art facilities. This is your chance to test-drive a career in food, tour the campus, and develop your own restaurant concept. Whether you dream of culinary school or simply want to build confidence, you will leave with professional skills and a clearer path toward your future.

Sample 2026 Schedule

Day 1: Program Registration

You'll arrive, get settled, and meet your fellow culinarians.

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: Workshops

  • 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: Recipe Overview & Lecture

  • 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: Kitchen Production & Demo

  • 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: Program Departure

Say goodbye to your new friends and head home with a clearer vision of your future.

This sample schedule is provided as an example of the overall quality and scope of the experience offered and is not intended to represent a specific schedule for 2026. The specific 2026 schedule, locations, speakers, and site visits may be modified.

Go Beyond the Classroom

Envision by WorldStrides programs are held at some of the top universities in the country, providing high school students with the opportunity to experience life on a college campus and get a glimpse of what their future may hold.

This Summer, Culinary Experience at CIA Hyde Park will take place in the following locations:

The Culinary Institute of America

The Culinary Institute of America

Hyde Park, NY

July 12-17, 2026 - Residential

What's Included?

  • All curriculum and instruction
  • Program activities
  • Overnight housing
  • Program materials
  • At least two meals a day
  • Local transportation during program
  • Certificate of completion

Take the Next Step

Thank you for your interest in Culinary Experience at CIA Hyde Park.
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