A new US-based baking institute will launch at the Las Vegas World Pastry Forum in July.

US master confectioner Julie Bashore is looking to “change the face” of the sugar arts industry with her newest venture, the Sugar Arts Institute (SAI).

The SAI is a not-for-profit enterprise designed as a five-year program that will allow students to receive certificate, associates, bachelors, or master’s degrees in Sugar Arts. Non-credit courses will also be made available for hobbyists as well as children.

Julie “recognised a void” in the industry for an accredited, standardised certification program that specialises exclusively in baking, cake decorating and sugar arts. The institute will facilitate innovative research and idea generation.