It’s about that time of year again. In early March in states across the U.S., the first round of the Art Institutes Best Teen Chefs 2006 competition will be underway. This first round will select finalists from a number of different states to compete in the final round, held in Fort Lauderdale, on April 29.

Competition Encourages Culinary Education

This competition started in 2000, and is meant to encourage culinary interests in youth. The Art Institutes, because they offer culinary programs throughout the country, organize this competition from many of their campus locations. The ultimate winner of the cooking competition will earn a full scholarship to attend one of the Art Institute’s culinary schools, valued at $35,000. More than $200,000 in prizes are given out to local winners and all of the finalists.

Culinary Arts Schools a good Alternative for high school Graduates

The culinary competition addresses a lack of culinary career counseling at the high school level. Guidance counselors generally don’t recommend culinary schools to their students, but the culinary field is growing, and more and more chefs are finding sustaining jobs.

Get a Culinary Education in your Area

If you want to go to culinary school, you should take a look into a culinary arts program offered near you. Most large cities have culinary programs, meaning that unless you live in the Styx, you should be able to find a quality culinary school relatively close to you.