Hostelling International Chicago

Cultural Kitchen Youth Outreach Program.

Cultural Kitchen
 The Cultural Kitchen program is an educational youth outreach program of Hostelling International Chicago. It provides 600 young Chicagoans every year with the opportunity to experience the world outside of their neighborhoods and Chicago. Participants are between the ages of 8 and 18 and learn about a culture that is new to them, which includes making an authentic meal of the chosen culture. While at the hostel, the students interact with international travelers, giving them another opportunity to experience world cultures.

Opening Minds

“Cultural Kitchen gave me the chance to expand my horizons. I really enjoyed learning about different cultures than mine. I hope some day when I get older and finish with college I can travel around the world. I also think the hostel helps you with your social skills toward people outside of your culture.”
Angelika S., 17, Chicago Public School student

Strong Educational Standards
 The Cultural Kitchen program consists of seven educational sessions that, together, reinforce twelve Illinois State Goals and thirty-four Chicago Academic Standards. Additionally Cultural Kitchen is a recognized service-learning program in Chicago’s high schools.

The Cultural Kitchen Youth Outreach program provides Chicago-area youth, ages 8 to 18, opportunities to:

  • Gain a greater understanding of the world and its people
  • Respect different people and cultures as they travel through their own communities, their lives, and our world
  • Strengthen their ability to communicate with others and work as a team
  • Enhance research and presentation skills
  • Become more open minded, caring world citizens
  • Experience the world of hostelling and travel while meeting people from around the world
  • Earn 15 of the 40 hours of Service Learning needed for high school graduation.

What to Expect
The Cultural Kitchen program is funded in large part by a grant from Polk Bros. Foundation and through a partnership with the Chicago Public Schools Service Learning Initiative.

Among the items and services provided through the program are:

  • Educational staffing and program supplies
  • Facilities and equipment for all sessions
  • Hostel overnight stay including food costs
  • Hostelling International youth memberships, one per participant
  • Group photos in a scrapbook

Support Intercultural Understanding
Cultural Kitchen is a powerful educational program benefiting the youth of Chicagoland. Can you help Hostelling International Chicago reach more youth? Please consider helping with a donation or by becoming a volunteer. It costs the hostel over $2000 for each group of 20 youth that benefit from this program, and we utilize volunteers during the dinner preparation.

Who to Contact
For more information please contact:

Megan Johnson
 Education Coordinator
mjohnson@hichicago.org
Phone: 312-583-2221