High school program becomes culinary school for teens

TAMPA (FOX 13) - Can success in the kitchen breed success in the classroom? One Bay Area high school believes it can. 

Food is in the soul of teenagers at Chamberlain High's culinary program.

Student Biko Douglas explained, "It's a great learning experience."

Biko Douglas is one of many students feeding their desire to become chefs.
 
"Its really unique. We go to all our classes together and we interact with each other every day," Biko said.

They are part of the National Career Academy Coalition program helping students stay focused in the classroom. 

Chef Erik Youngs heads the program.

"[I] try to teach the whole student using culinary as that anchor; our theme to keep them interested," Chef Youngs said.

Chamberlain's Career Culinary Academy has 200 students and is the only one in the U.S. It started in 2002.

The students take all their core classes together to help strengthen their relationships.

Yadzia Ferrer, a student in the program said, "I think it is really good. It allows you to really interact with everybody. Gives you the ability to really bond with everybody."

The students are reaching their goals with an innovative approach to learning. The program provides internships and guest speakers to help students along their career path.