About your school
Culikid is a small New York–based nonprofit that runs hands-on cooking programs for neurodiverse teens and young adults with diverse learning needs. We use cooking as a practical way to build real-life skills—measuring, cutting, cooking, and working step by step—so students can become more independent
Our programs are structured, supportive, and highly hands-on, with classes offered in small groups and 1:1 settings. We focus on consistency, patience, and creating a calm kitchen environment where students can build confidence over time.
For our students, these skills go beyond cooking—they directly improve daily life, independence, and the ability to care for themselves and contribute to others. We are a small, mission-driven organization where instructors play a direct and meaningful role in that progress.
Program description
The Culikid Community Fridge Cooking Program is a hands-on culinary program for neurodiverse teens and young adults with diverse learning needs. The program focuses on building practical kitchen skills in a structured, supportive environment while preparing meals that are donated to a community fridge at Essex Market in New York City.
Participants work step by step to learn core skills such as measuring, cutting, cooking, and following recipes. Sessions are designed as guided production, where students work individually and as a group to complete dishes from start to finish.
The program emphasizes consistency, teamwork, and clear task sequencing, helping participants build confidence, independence, and real-world life skills. At the same time, students contribute to their community by preparing meals that support others.
The goal is not just to cook, but to help participants become more independent, capable, and comfortable in a working kitchen environment while doing something meaningful for others.
This program is designed for neurodiverse teens and young adults who:
-want to build real-life cooking skills
-are comfortable working in a small group setting
-are interested in becoming more independent in the kitchen
-can follow structured, step-by-step activities with support
No prior cooking experience is required.
If you know someone who might benefit from this program, please feel free to share this with families, caregivers, or anyone in your network.
Cost
Benefits
Application instructions
If you are not registered, you'll be prompted to do so. Don't worry, it's free!
Deadline
no deadline