Youthage Culinary Specialist

Educate. Create. Inspire. Experience. Founded in 2016 by Chef Robert Collins, the Youthage Culinary Specialist nonprofit school opened in Mundelein, Illinois. The vision was to provide students of all ages and abilities the opportunity for hands-on training by culinary experts. Creating a unique culinary experience with an emphasis on educating children on nutrition, culinary techniques, and youth and career development. Students have the opportunity to build leadership skills, learn organizational concepts, and begin creating the framework for making healthier lifestyle choices. Today, the Youthage Culinary Specialist provides exceptional curriculums like the: - Youthage Enrichment Program (YEP), partners with local schools and organizations to provide in-person nutritional culinary classes during and/or after hours. - Chef’s Culinteer Program (CCP), for experienced local Chefs to have a partnership and donate time towards hands-on training in creating nutritional meals. - The Y-Serve Program (YSP), where voluntary time is given back to the betterment of the local communities. Volunteers can contribute time in-house with our day-to-day operation, or a call-to-serve within the Lake County, Illinois communities. - Youthage Culinary Arts Internship Program (YCAIP), for interns to build their career development by working closely with the Executive Chef to prep dishes and help with kitchen tasks, showcase their skills, and become an ambassador independently conducting a culinary class. - Youthage Culinary Arts Externship Program (YCAEP), is an amazing short term program with the unique opportunity for students to gain “first-hand” insight real-time in a mentored environment, with culinary training offered as a part of their curriculum. Students will shadow and observe how things are done day-to-day, and work in teams on minor projects to assist in a culinary class demonstrating what they have learned.