Next Gen Chef, a Netflix Series at CIA
Go behind the scenes and experience for yourself the mystique and magic of CIA. Our faculty helped guide the cooking competition—and plenty of CIA alumni were brought in to judge.
Now Streaming on Netflix
Inside the world’s most prestigious culinary school, 21 of America’s hottest young chefs, under the age of 30, compete in a one-of-a-kind competition. The Culinary Institute of America has set a rigorous gauntlet of tests to find who is worthy of being crowned the leading chef of the next generation.
As the global leader in culinary education, CIA was the perfect starting place for Netflix’s Next Gen Chef cooking competition show. With world-class facilities and a faculty of seasoned professionals who are as dedicated to mentoring as they are to mastery, CIA is a place where aspiring chefs are empowered to explore, experiment, and evolve. And it’s the perfect place to crown the leading chef of the next generation.
Next Gen CIA Scholarship Winners
Congrats to the 10 winners of the Next Gen CIA Scholarship. Each winner who enrolls in January 2026 at our New York campus will receive $10,000, renewable for up to $40,000 toward their CIA education. Thank you to all who submitted videos—we were impressed with your passion, dedication, focus, and drive. We truly can’t wait to see what you will accomplish.
Don’t forget to check $hef regularly for exclusive scholarship opportunities for CIA students. Last year, we awarded more than $5,000,000!
We’re still accepting applications for January 2026.
See Our Faculty in Action!
Meet the Next Gen Chef CIA Alumni Contestants
These young leaders have made the first cut and joined the competition—and no one will be cheering them on more than their alma mater. Good luck, chefs!
Joaquin Cariaso ’22
Sous Chef, Manhatta
Max Centauro ’20
Executive Chef, Chica & The Don
Abby Kirn ’21
Private Chef
Sidney Rubenstein ’22
Private Chef, New York Jets
The World’s Premier Culinary College
Want to Become a Next Gen Chef at CIA?
Food is connected to everything we do at the Culinary Institute of America. Here, within an immersive college environment, you’ll experience a first-class culinary education that opens doors to a world of possibility and helps you discover how to create an impactful future in food.
Expert faculty instruction from top industry professionals
Real-world experience working in award-winning, public-service restaurants
Industry’s Best Career Fair: three times a year, 150+ of the very best restaurant and hospitality companies visit our New York campus
Ability to customize your degree to fit your specific interests and career goals
Let’s Stay Connected
Get the latest news on Culinary Institute of America leadership conferences, industry updates, dining events, culinary experiences, CIA merch, exclusive offers, and more.
Explore the Next Gen Chef Locations
Go behind-the-scenes of Next Gen Chef at CIA and experience the magic of our New York campus. Take a tour, book a dining reservation, take a hands-on class in the kitchen. Whether you’re ready to start your culinary journey or just want to get a taste, CIA has something for you.
Experience the CIA Firsthand
Admissions Visits
Explore our undergraduate and master’s programs.
Public Tours
Visit our NY campus to see where the show was filmed.
Dining
Experience the next generation of chefs in our student-staffed restaurants.
Take a Class
Home chefs can uplevel their skills with the help of CIA faculty.
Helpful Resources
Admissions
Interested in learning more about our academic programs? We’re ready to help and provide you with more information.
Ask a Student
What’s it really like to study at CIA? Our students will answer any questions you may have—including ones about their favorite activities and spots to eat.
How to Apply
Learn more about the application process, deadlines, and our enrollment schedule.