MATCH Academy » Careers Through Culinary Arts Programs (C-CAP)

Careers Through Culinary Arts Programs (C-CAP)

 

What is C-CAP?

C-CAP stands for Careers through Culinary Arts Program. It is a nonprofit organization established in 1990 that aims to provide high school students with the education and skills necessary for successful careers in the culinary and hospitality industries. C-CAP focuses on underserved youth, offering them opportunities to gain hands-on experience, culinary training, and mentorship from industry professionals. Through its programs, C-CAP seeks to empower students by providing them with the tools they need to pursue their passions in the culinary arts and build meaningful careers.

 

What Does C-CAP Offer?

C-CAP provides a variety of programs and resources to support students in their culinary journey, including:

  • Culinary Training: Hands-on instruction in cooking techniques and food preparation from experienced chefs.
  • Scholarships: Financial assistance for students pursuing degrees in culinary arts or hospitality management.
  • Internships and Job Placement: Connections to internships and job opportunities in local restaurants, offering real-world experience.
  • Competitions: Culinary contests for students to showcase their skills, often leading to scholarships and recognition.
  • Workshops and Events: Participation in workshops and networking events focused on essential skills like resume writing and interviewing.
  • Mentorship: Pairing students with culinary professionals for guidance and industry insight.

Through these offerings, C-CAP empowers students to develop the skills and confidence necessary for success in the culinary and hospitality fields.

 

Scholarships

C-CAP offers a variety of scholarship opportunities aimed at supporting students who are passionate about pursuing careers in the culinary and hospitality industries. These scholarships are designed to alleviate financial barriers and enable students to further their education and training. Key aspects of C-CAP's scholarship offerings include:

 

  • Types of Scholarships: C-CAP provides scholarships for students pursuing higher education at culinary schools, community colleges, and universities with culinary or hospitality programs. These scholarships vary in amount and criteria, catering to a diverse range of student needs.
 
  • Competitive Selection Process: To be considered for scholarships, students must participate in both the Preliminary Competition and the Final Competition. This multi-step process allows students to demonstrate their culinary skills, creativity, and passion for the culinary arts.
 
    • Preliminary Competition: In this initial stage, students must successfully prepare two dishes within a 60-minute timeframe. The required dishes are: 1 Tomato, Cucumber & Bell Pepper Salad and 1 French Omelette.
 

Participants are evaluated on their execution, technique, and overall presentation of both dishes. Those who perform well will advance to the Final Competition.

 

    • Final Competition: Finalists must complete a more complex cooking challenge, preparing two dishes in under two hours: 2 Pan-Roasted Chicken with Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes and 2 Dessert Crepe filled with Pastry 
 

Finalists will be judged on their technical skills, flavor profiles, presentation, Sanitation and overall creativity. Awardees are selected based on their performance, with scholarship recipients announced at the annual C-CAP Awards Breakfast at the Jonathan Club in April.