Our story
Born from a belief that everyone deserves a seat at the table
Since 2015, Culinary Dream Foundation has been turning passion into profession — giving Los Angeles's most underserved communities the skills, confidence, and credentials to build real culinary careers.
Our mission
We believe that culinary education is a pathway out of poverty — and that no one should be denied that pathway because of their zip code or income level.
Culinary Dream Foundation provides completely free, professional-grade culinary training to low-income youth and adults across Los Angeles. Every class, every knife, every uniform — covered.
Radical access
Zero cost, zero barriers. Our program is 100% free for every student, every time.
Professional standards
We train to industry standards — the same skills taught at top culinary schools.
Community first
We serve the neighborhoods that need us most, building culinary careers from the ground up.
Lasting impact
Job placement support, mentorship, and alumni networks that last beyond graduation.
How it started
In 2015, founder Mike Chan watched his friend — a gifted home cook — get turned away from culinary school because of tuition costs. That moment sparked a question: What if we removed the financial barrier entirely?
Starting with a borrowed commercial kitchen and 6 students, Culinary Dream Foundation ran its first Culinary 101 cohort in Arcadia, CA. Word spread fast. By year two, there was a waitlist.
Today, more than 500 graduates of our program are employed in restaurants, catering companies, food trucks, and school cafeterias throughout Southern California. In 2026, Culinary Dream Foundation formally incorporated as a nonprofit organization — a milestone that expands our capacity to serve even more individuals from the communities we call home.
The people behind the mission
Mike Chan
Founder & Executive Director
Former restaurant chef / owner turned nonprofit leader. Mike has dedicated the last decade to making culinary education accessible to all.
Chef David Kim
Head Culinary Instructor
With 20 years in professional kitchens from LA to New York, Chef David brings real-world expertise to every class.
Priya Nair
Director of Student Services
Priya oversees enrollment, job placement, and alumni support — ensuring every graduate has a path forward.
James Ortega
Development & Partnerships
James builds the donor and sponsor relationships that keep our program 100% free for every student.
Ready to be part of the story?
Apply for our next free cohort or support a student's journey with a donation.