Getting set for the C-CAP interview

The final step in securing a scholarship from C-CAP Arizona is a personal interview immediately following the final culinary competition.

According to C-CAP Arizona’s executive director, Jill Smith, the interview helps determine which scholarship funds go to which candidate.

It is absolutely critical, Jill emphasizes, for students to arrive at their interview with clear ideas about which culinary programs they want to attend – and for which they also qualify.

Above everything, C-CAP is founded on helping students succeed in their culinary career dreams. That's why options and flexibility are important in crafting a path to success/

“Every one needs to have at least two or three schools or programs in mind,” she says, “and it is very important that there’s been some thought about what is both affordable and academically reasonable.”

This means every student should come prepared to discuss up to three possible programs. For each, a basic idea of finances is also needed.

“We can’t give a scholarship to the Culinary Institute just because a student wants to go there. They need to know how they’re going to travel there, how they’ll cover living expenses and more,” explains Jill.

“Having a couple of back-up plans, making it clear to judges that you’re flexible, can help us help find the best way to make your dreams of a culinary career come true.”

watch for more ideas and tips about getting through this crucial interview – coming tomorrow and ALL NEXT WEEK on the C-CAP Arizona blog!