A famous food critic and writer once stated that eating well was "one of the arts of life." She must have held Culinary Arts programs in high regard; for they exist to teach high school students not only how to prepare and enjoy good food, but to turn what they love into a lucrative career.

Offered in many high schools as vocational education, the two-to-four-year program offers a chance to earn college credit and/or workplace accreditation while fulfilling secondary education requirements. Upon graduation, students enter college well ahead of their peers; or jump-start their career should they choose to enter the work force immediately.

Career opportunities are virtually limitless in this field, and students are well prepared both to choose their focus and demonstrate knowledgeable skill. Culinary Arts degrees are sought in industry food preparation, servers, managers, guest relations personnel, and small business owners. The food technology industry includes processing, preserving, packaging, inspection, and safe handling techniques. Nutrition experts are hired for hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, correctional institutions, community programs, corporations, and private facilities.

An accredited Culinary Arts program balances bookwork with hands-on lab experience for hearing, speaking and visual learners. Students learn the nutritional needs of the individual, the relationship of diet to health, and effective menu planning for both maintenance and specialty diets. Sanitation, safe handling techniques and meal planning are balanced with organizational, managerial and hospitality skills.

Cooking involves learning to produce and create beverages, entrees, appetizers, sauces, salads, doughs and desserts. Service explores the art of food presentation, as well as serving skills and guest relations. Entrepreneurship is taught in a real or simulated business setting, where students learn to organize, manage and promote a restaurant or catering business. Work-based learning strategies often include opportunities to job shadow, intern, or apprentice in participating culinary establishments, working with professionals in their chosen field.

Many culinary programs exist, and vary from broad overviews to extremely specialized training. They also vary in price tag and availability. If a high school student already knows this is an area of interest, he will likely benefit by participating in a vocational education course that allows him to explore the industry in a high school setting, and at a lower cost.

Culinary Arts is a high school program that will help students explore the world of food service to more effectively choose a career focus. They will be ready for the work force, ahead of the game in college, and well prepared for a lifetime.