THE FRESHMAN CLASS

Every year nearly 30,000 Americans enter culinary school with dreams of success in the food world. But culinary school is a cutthroat, stressful and expensive pressure-cooker, and a large percentage of students drop out within the first months of their program. Cooking Channel's new 8-part documentary series follows four aspiring chefs through their difficult first semester at the prestigious Louisiana Culinary Institute in Baton Rouge. They all have dreams of becoming big-time chefs, but first they must overcome imposing personal and academic challenges. Tiffany is a 41-year-old full-time mom trying to forge a career for the first time despite her husband's resistance. Jared is a Marine Corps veteran battling his war injuries and PTSD. Ben is a father of three wondering how he'll provide for his family while he's a full-time student. Jasmine is a single mom eager to stop working as an exotic dancer and fulfill her dream of opening a restaurant. They're entering a fast-paced program where they'll be put to the test nearly every day. Can they make it through and achieve their culinary dreams?