More About Yes, Chef! Culinary Camp
The Foundation for Culinary Arts (F4CA) launched the Yes, Chef! Culinary Camp in 2016 as a week-long, immersive program created to inspire promising high school students from under-resourced communities through culinary education, mentorship and hands-on learning.
The program is designed to broaden students’ horizons in food, culture and career exploration, while creating opportunities to connect with peers from across Chicago and build valuable life skills in the kitchen and beyond. Classes are taught by esteemed culinary instructors, providing students with professional-caliber training in an engaging and supportive environment. Throughout the curriculum, instructors weave in cultural context, culinary technique, nutrition education and practical kitchen skills.
F4CA is proud to partner with Chicago Public Schools (CPS), Culinary Careers Program (C-CAP), The Chopping Block, and other industry partners. We believe bright futures begin with access, education, and opportunity—and we are committed to helping cultivate the next generation of culinary talent and hospitality leaders.
What Skills Will Campers Learn
Campers will learn a variety of foundational culinary and life skills that vary by camp format and curriculum, including:
- Introductory knife skills
- Kitchen terminology
- Nutrition fundamentals
- Kitchen safety and sanitation
- Foundational cooking skills, based on camp topics, which may include:
- Meat fabrication
- Baking basics
- Cooking from scratch
- Cooking methods, such as:
- Stocks and sauces
- Pastry and pie crust
- Fresh pasta
- And much more!
How are campers selected?
There are three pathways for student selection into Yes, Chef! Culinary Camp. A number of spots are awarded through C-CAP’s junior culinary competition, held each January. Students who do not participate in the junior competition may apply directly to camp and will go through an application and interview process.
A limited number of spots are also made available to CPS students who demonstrate strong culinary interest and potential but do not attend a school with a C-CAP program. These students may be recommended to F4CA by educators, recruiters, or partner organizations and will complete a similar selection process.
Who are our campers?
Our campers are Chicago high school students (ages 13-18) from under-resourced communities with a demonstrated interest in the culinary arts. Yes, Chef! provides free access to professional training, mentorship and industry exposure that equip students with practical skills, confidence and a clearer pathway toward future opportunity.
68% of Campers are Female
92% of Campers are Black and Latino
Reviews From Campers
“I had so much fun and learned a lot. I even won a performance award! It was such a great experience and I will continue to use all of the skills and techniques that I have learned in my daily life and beyond. Thank you so much for this opportunity!” – Isaiah
“The chef instructor was organized, she waited for us if we were falling behind, helpful on how to substitute a certain ingredient if we ever ran out, she kept us engaged by asking us questions about our food interests or questions about the lesson. After doing this program it reminded me why I love being passionate about food and cooking.” – Ulises
Program Application
Students currently enrolled in Chicago Public Schools whose families meet CPS’ definition of economically disadvantaged may apply to attend Yes, Chef! Culinary Camp at no cost. Applicants and their parent/guardian will complete an interview with a selection committee member as part of the admissions process.
