Two chefs in Culinary Institute of America uniforms prepare tacos and slice meat in a commercial kitchen.

About the program

What You’ll Learn

The Elite Culinary Intensive is built around hands-on, experiential learning. Students spend the majority of their time in teaching kitchens, developing real skills while working alongside peers who share their curiosity. Every experience concludes with a banquet dinner and an official Toque Ceremony, where students receive their chef’s hat - denoting their official welcome into the world of culinary arts.


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Key learning areas include:

  • Core culinary techniques and kitchen fundamentals
  • Knife skills, food safety, and professional cooking methods
  • Flavour profiles, seasoning, and presentation
  • An introduction to global cuisines and culinary traditions from the fundamentals of Italian regional cuisine, to the chic world of the French bistro, and diving into the dynamic flavors of Asia.
  • Studying the science and creativity of baking and pastry, ranging from artisanal bread to modern plated desserts.
  • Collaboration, communication, and time management in fast-paced environments

Learning is progressive — students start with foundational skills and gradually take on more independence and complexity as confidence grows.

Chef wearing a white hat and uniform intensely focusing while seasoning a dish with a pepper grinder in a kitchen.

Daily Schedule:

Day 1

  • Program registration
  • Welcome, Ice breakers & Orientation with Culinary Institute including Sunday Dinner

Day 2

  • Chef’s recipe demonstration and hands-on in the kitchen
  • Lecture Series: The Physiology of Taste and CIA Garden Tour and Apiary

Day 3

  • Chef’s recipe demonstration and hands-on in the kitchen
  • Workshop: Olive Oil Tasting + CIA Student Roundtable and Admissions Q&A

Day 4

  • Chef’s recipe demonstration and hands-on in the kitchen
  • Workshops: Culinary Science and Social Media/Food Photography
  • Career Services Q&A

Day 5

  • Chef’s recipe demonstration and hands-on in the kitchen
  • Workshop: Food Truck Innovation Challenge
  • Lecture Series: Menus of Change

Day 6

  • Chef’s recipe demonstration and hands-on in the kitchen - Bakeshop production
  • Workshop: Mocktails and Fermentation
  • Food Truck Challenge Final Pitches
  • Closing Ceremonies: Banquet Dinner and Toque Ceremony
  • Presentation of Certificates

Day 7

  • Program good-byes and departure

Outcomes & Takeaways

By the end of the program, students leave with:

  • An official certificate of completion from the Culinary Institute of America

  • The Culinary Institute of America’s Toque Ceremony, Surrounded by your peers and chef-instructors, you’ll be officially “toqued” and take a pledge upholding the standards of the world’s greatest kitchens. This time-honored tradition honors your hard work and welcomes you into a global legacy of culinary excellence, providing a memorable close to the week.

  • Practical culinary knowledge and improved kitchen confidence

  • Experience working in professional-style environments

  • Stronger teamwork and communication skills

  • Greater clarity around future study or career interests

  • A network of peers with shared passions

Chef instructor placing pastries on a tray while culinary students watch and take notes in a professional kitchen.
Chef demonstrating food preparation to attentive culinary students in a kitchen.

Student Support & Wellbeing

We know that a successful summer experience depends on more than just what happens in the classroom.

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Students benefit from:

  • Dedicated on-site staff and residential teams 
  • Clear daily structure and supervision
  • A supportive community of peers and mentors
  • Focused on wellbeing, confidence, and inclusion

Parents can feel confident knowing students are supported both academically and personally throughout the program.

Is This Program Right for You?

The Elite Culinary Intensive is a great fit if you:

  • Enjoy being hands-on and learning by doing
  • Are curious about food, cooking, or hospitality
  • Want to explore an interest without long-term pressure
  • Are ready to immerse yourself in the world of culinary arts

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Take the next step and get more info today!

Get Info
Two chefs in white uniforms and hats piping dough onto a baking sheet in a professional kitchen.
Group of nine diverse young chefs in white uniforms smiling in a professional kitchen.

What Makes Summer Discovery Different

Not all summer programs are created equal. Summer Discovery stands apart through its balance of academic excellence, personal growth, and genuine summer enjoyment. Summer Discovery is the #1 pre-college enrichment program recommended by High School College Counselors.

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With Summer Discovery, students experience:

  • Learning hosted and lead by world-renowned university campuses
  • Hands-on, immersive programs rather than passive instruction
  • A focus on exploration and confidence, not early specialisation
  • A supportive environment that values wellbeing as much as achievement

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This isn’t about rushing students toward a future decision. It’s about giving them the space, support, and experience to make better ones later.

Next Steps

Summer is for exploring what’s possible.
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Discover available dates and locations, or start your application to secure a place at the Culinary Institute of America Elite Culinary Intensive by Summer Discovery.

Apply Now