An increased interest in culinary arts has led many academic institutions that offer this specialization to improve educational opportunities. Some schools are recognized for their efforts, and selected to be involved in federally-funded programs that benefit both the institutions and students.
For example, the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation recently named the Colorado Mountain College Culinary Institute as one of four schools in the country selected to participate in a new government-funded apprenticeship program. In 2009, a total of $481,200 in funding was given to the foundation, which covered expenses needed to launch the two-year educational opportunity.
Throughout the apprenticeships, each student's work will be recorded in an online system. Using this software, individuals who participate in this program will have the chance to follow their progress during their apprenticeship, and, upon completion, have a portfolio that lists all the skills they have obtained.
Kevin Clarke, director of the culinary institute, stated that the school's selection for the program shows "how progressive our culinary programs are here at Colorado Mountain College and in recognition of our dedication to the apprenticeship process and trying to make it better."
In 2008, head chefs and cooks earned an average annual salary of $38,770, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
