Our programs
Free culinary training in Los Angeles County — launch your career.
Culinary Dream Foundation offers one intensive, career-focused program designed to take you from beginner to job-ready in 12 weeks.
100% Free
Culinary 101
The foundation of a culinary career
Our flagship 12-week program covers everything you need to enter the professional kitchen with confidence — from knife skills and food safety to menu planning and plating technique.
Duration
12 weeks
Schedule
Monday – Friday, 10am – 4pm
Location
Arcadia Training Kitchen
Tuition
100% Free
What's included
- All equipment and uniforms provided
- ServSafe food handler certification
- Job placement assistance
- Alumni network access
- Meals during training days
12-week curriculum
1
Weeks 1-2
Kitchen fundamentals
Knife skills, kitchen safety, sanitation, and professional kitchen etiquette.
2
Weeks 3-5
Cooking techniques
Sautéing, braising, roasting, grilling, and sauce-making fundamentals.
3
Weeks 6-7
Baking & pastry basics
Bread, pastry dough, desserts, and the science of baking.
4
Weeks 8-9
World cuisines
Exploring Latin, Asian, Italian, Mediterranean, and American culinary traditions.
5
Weeks 10
Menu planning & nutrition
Developing balanced, cost-effective menus with a focus on dietary needs, nutritional standards, and real-world kitchen economics. Students also complete an externship alongside professional chefs at partner restaurants, gaining hands-on experience in high-volume, industry-standard environments.
6
Weeks 10-12
Capstone & job prep
Final project, portfolio building, ServSafe certification, and job placement support.
85%
Job placement within 90 days
500+
Graduates since 2015
$22–$35
Average starting hourly wage
100%
Free — no tuition ever
Who can apply
- Los Angeles County resident
- 18 years or older (16–17 with guardian consent)
- Household income at or below 200% of federal poverty level
- No prior culinary experience required
- Commitment to attend all 12 weeks
Next cohort
Start date
October 6, 2026
Application deadline
September 26, 2026
Availability
24 spots available
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Apply early — spots fill quickly.
Where our graduates work
Hiring partners across Los Angeles
We maintain active relationships with employers throughout LA County who specifically seek out Culinary Dream Foundation graduates.
Nobu Los Angeles
Fine dining
Marriott Hotels LA
Hospitality
Whole Foods Market
Food retail
LA Unified School District
Institutional food service
Wolfgang Puck Catering
Catering
Sodexo
Contract food service
Erewhon Market
Specialty grocery
Local independent restaurants
Community dining
Plus dozens of independent restaurants, catering companies, and food service operations across Los Angeles County.