ACI is a non-profit organization, where teenagers learn the basic techniques of cooking along with the etiquette of fine dining. Young chefs are challenged to manifest their creative impulses to create beautiful, healthy, delicious cuisine.  

Students gain insights into the workings of a professional kitchen and learn to work as a cohesive team. They learn the basics of food safety, food preparation, knife handling, and baking. And they are encouraged to clean-as-you-go and maintain a clean tidy workspace. 

Throughout the year the ACI is called upon to plan and execute various dinners and special events. At these events the young chefs learn to work under the pressure of a finely tuned schedule, where food must be prepared and elegantly served, on time and at the proper temperature.  

ACI is good preparation for youngsters with an eye towards a professional career as a chef or other work in the hospitality industry. 

Each year the graduate chefs of the Ascension Culinary Institute (ACI) host an Annual Fundraiser Dinner. The fundraiser helps support ACI as well as social service volunteer work that the kids do throughout the year.