Business Management and Culinary Arts Academy

Empowering Future Leaders in Business and Culinary Innovation

At John Dewey High School, the Academy of Business Management and Culinary Arts prepares students with the technical skills, professional experience, and financial knowledge they need to thrive in college, careers, and everyday life.

All students in the Academy begin their journey with Career & Financial Management (CFM), where they learn the essentials of personal finance, entrepreneurship, and career planning. They then spend a semester exploring both the world of business and the culinary arts, gaining hands-on exposure to each field before selecting the pathway they are most passionate about for the rest of high school.

Through partnerships with the Virtual Enterprises, Grant Associates and Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP), students in both pathways gain access to internships, mentoring, and real-world learning experiences that bring classroom lessons to life.

💼 Business Management Program

The Business Management Program is part of the Future Ready New York City (FRNYC) initiative and uses the Virtual Enterprises curriculum to teach students all aspects of business, marketing, and entrepreneurship through hands-on, experiential learning.

Students engage in real-world business simulations, learning critical skills in management, finance, marketing, and customer relations. Through partnerships with Bank of America and First Generation Investors, students gain practical experience with personal finance, investing, and economic decision-making.

Our program equips students to become innovative, financially savvy, and business-ready for college and career success.

🍳 Culinary Arts Program

Our Culinary Arts Program is a New York State–approved Career and Technical Education (CTE) program of study with articulation agreements at multiple colleges. This means students can earn advanced standing or college credit before graduation.

Led by a team of three professional chefs, students train in all aspects of culinary arts — from knife skills and menu planning to baking, catering, and event service.

Graduates leave our program ready to enter the workforce or pursue further education in culinary arts or hospitality management.

💼 Work-Based Learning Opportunities

Paid Internships

Students in 11th and 12th grade can apply for paid culinary internships during:

• Summer: 100-hour internship
  
  
• School Year: 60-hour internship
  
  

These internships are organized through a partnership between the NYC Department of Education, C-CAP and Grant Associates. Students are compensated at the New York State minimum wage and receive support from our Work-Based Learning (WBL) Coordinator, who conducts site visits and manages payroll.

Business Management students can take part in one of our student-run businesses. Dewey Design & Print gives students hands-on experience running an apparel printing business, from sales and graphic design to inventory, production, marketing, and accounting.

Business and Culinary Academy students that are interested in hospitality collaborate to facilitate JD’s Place, our experiential restaurant learning lab, managing three major events each year. They plan and serve a four-course meal in an upscale setting for teachers, staff, and guests, gaining real-world experience in event planning, teamwork, and professional service.

Whether their work based learning opportunity is on-site or a partner company, all applicants must complete an interview and orientation before beginning their internship.

Community Service

Our Business and Culinary Arts students proudly serve their school community by:

• Assisting chefs with event catering and food preparation
  
  
• Supporting the after-school Culinary Club
  
  
• Representing the program at school and citywide events, including the NYC CTE High School Fair and the Virtual Enterprises Trade Show

These experiences allow students to apply their skills, build confidence, and give back to their community.

Job Shadowing & Workplace Visits

Students explore professional environments through job shadowing and workplace tours, coordinated with organizations such as C-CAP, Grant Associates, Virtual Enterprises, and NY Exploring.

• Job Shadowing: Individualized, one-on-one experiences with industry professionals
  
  
• Workplace Tours: Group visits offering insight into various culinary and business careers

All work-based learning experiences are managed by our licensed Coordinator of Work-Based Learning Programs for Career Development, ensuring quality placements and professional growth.

🌟 Your Pathway to a Successful Future

Whether pursuing a career in business management, hospitality, or culinary arts, students in the Academy gain the skills, experience, and confidence to succeed in any setting.

Learn. Create. Lead.

Discover your passion and turn it into a profession at the 

Academy of Business Management and Culinary Arts.