Introducing Chocolate University’s Class of 2025

By Anna Mercer

Class is back in session—but this is no ordinary class. Chocolate University has been showing students how kinship transforms businesses for the better since 2010. A group of fifteen juniors and seniors have been selected as CU’s Class of 2025. Representing six local schools, these students are beginning to learn about the international chocolate industry, entrepreneurship, ethical business practices, and farmer-partner relationships. At the end of the program, these students will travel to Mababu, Tanzania, to meet with Askinosie Chocolate farmers and their families.

Madeleine B. – Central High School

Will B. – Springfield Catholic High School

Max B. – Central High School

Cadence G. – Springfield Catholic High School

Gentry G. – Central High School

Aven G. – Nixa High School

Hailey H. – Kickapoo High School

Sarah H. – Springfield Catholic High School

Chase H. – Kickapoo High School

Hayden H. – Republic High School

Eli K. – Central High School

Lance R. – Reeds Spring High School

Vanessa S. – Homeschool

Ella S. – Nixa High School

Sonali A. – Jackson Reed High School (Washington, D.C.)

Each of these students applied and interviewed for a spot in the CU 2025 cohort. CU Executive Director Melissa Gelner shares “Each group of student travelers brings a unique energy and perspective, and I am confident this cohort will continue to build on that legacy.”

The Class of 2025 is the program’s eighth group of students with participants now totaling over 100 since the program’s inception. Offered in partnership with Drury University, students build relationships and community as they prepare to travel to Tanzania. Program participants return home with an improved understanding of their place in the world and their unique potential to impact their local, regional, and global communities.

This invaluable experience would not be possible without the generous sponsorship of the program by individual and corporate community leaders: Askinosie Chocolate, Drury University, Kurt & Sherry Hellweg and the Hatch Foundation, Andy’s Frozen Custard, Brewer Science, Empowering Others, Maddux Neu Prater Eye Center, State Bank of Southwest Missouri, Mark & Teresa Carrol, Taylor & Jessica Curtis, Jason & Kristi Dale, Dr Ezekial Emanuel, Mike Hamra, Eric & Jana Hansen, Mac & Anne E McGregor, and Zach Smith.

As these students begin their CU journey, they discover new things about themselves and the world around them. We are excited to be on this journey with them, and we look forward to sharing updates as their time in the program unfolds.

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