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Culinary Arts

Culinary Arts Program Area

Students with a passion for food will leave the Culinary Arts CTE program area ready to turn their skills into unforgettable dining experiences. Through hands-on training in cooking, baking, and pastry arts, they build a strong foundation in technique, nutrition, safety and sanitation, and kitchen cost controls.

Review the Program Area (PDF)

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Real-World Experience in Culinary Arts

The Culinary Arts program area goes beyond the classroom with internships, co-ops, and mentorship from industry professionals. Students develop creativity, technical skills, and confidence through real-world experiences like the ProStart Culinary Invitational, where teams prepare a three-course meal using only butane burners. MHS has earned multiple first-place finishes at the state level and advanced to nationals—showcasing the strength of the program and the professionalism of its students.

MHS Culinary Classroom

MHS culinary students plating a dessert

CTE Viewbook

Read and learn details about the MHS CTE program.

Download the Viewbook (PDF)

MHS culinary student

“I went from being a kid who was a home cook to someone who works in actual big businesses and knows how to do things that people go to college for. I don’t think I would have gotten this opportunity anywhere else.”

—Akinwole Akinfenwa, MHS Student

Setting Students Up for Success

MHS students grow their core skills outside the high school classroom by joining student organizations and enrolling in college courses, getting a head start in their career.

Core Skills

  • Coordination
  • Active Listening
  • Management of Resources
  • Customer Service

Student Organization

  • ProStart

College Partnerships

  • Culinary Institute of America
  • Pennsylvania College of Technology
  • Indiana University of Pennsylvania
  • Northampton Community College

Future Career Options

With a High School Diploma:

  • Line Cook
  • Food Preparation Worker

With a 2-Year Degree:

  • Sous Chef
  • Pastry Chef
  • Baker
  • Restaurant Manager
  • Food Stylist

With a 4-Year Degree:

  • Executive/Head Chef
  • Food and Beverage Director
  • Hospitality Manager
  • Nutritionist/Dietician

Authentic Work Experience

Prior to graduation, students must complete an Authentic Work Experience (AWE) that is directly connected to their CTE coursework. This can include part-time employment, internships, pre-apprenticeships, or cooperative education (co-op) opportunities.

Internships

  • MHS Food Services Department
  • HE&R
  • THC

Co-operative Education

  • MHS Food Services Department
  • Devon Seafood
  • Hershey Lodge
  • Houlihan’s
  • Hotel Hershey
  • GIANT Center
  • Hersheypark
  • The Chocolatier
  • The Sweeterie

Learn more about Milton Hershey School’s Career and Technical Education program and its 10 program areas.

View All Program Areas

Milton Hershey School does not discriminate in admissions or other programs and services on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, sex, religious creed or disability. Read important MHS policies on equal opportunity and diversity, equal employment opportunity, and more.

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