Chocolate University – International Business Immersion

Class of 2025 Application 

The Chocolate University International Business Immersion is an initiative of Askinosie Chocolate and Drury University managed by The Askinosie Foundation. Through the lens of artisan chocolate making, Chocolate University engages local high school students to learn small business entrepreneurship, corporate social responsibility, and global business models. Participants also uncover more about themselves and what motivates their sense of self, connection and confidence. 

Applications are due by Monday, Oct 28, 2024 at 11:59 pm.

Selection: Applications are evaluated by a selection committee of 5-6 adults composed of representatives from Drury University, Askinosie Chocolate, Chocolate University, local high schools, and Southwest Missouri business community members. Initial applications are reviewed in a “name-blind” format.  Selected applicants will be invited to a Round Two Selection Committee Interview held via Zoom in mid-November. Final selection will be complete by Dec 16, 2024.

Eligibility: Applicants must be members of the graduating class of 2025 or 2026 and a current high school student residing in southwest Missouri, within reasonable driving distance of our Commercial Street meeting location in Springfield. All applicants must be 16 years of age by June 1, 2025.

Availability: Attendance for the program orientation meeting (January 9th, 6pm) by student and at least one parent is required. Attendance at six class meetings held during after-school hours from January through June 2025 is also required for participation.  Applicants will attend a 4-5 day on-campus experience at Drury University (target dates June 29-July 3, 2025) Lastly, the group will travel to/from Tanzania (target July 6-16, 2025). Final travel dates will be communicated by March 1, 2025.

Questions? Please visit our FAQ page or email, mgelner@askinosie.com

Name *

First

Middle

Last

Legal Sex *

• Male
• Female

Please indicate from the following options how you identify yourself. *

• Male
• Female
• Non-binary
• Prefer Not to Respond

Sharing Race/Ethnicity information is optional. Information you provide will not be used in a discriminatory manner. Please indicate from the following options how you identify yourself.

• American Indian / Alaska Native/ Hawaii Native
• Asian or Asian / Pacific Islander
• Black / African American
• Hispanic / Latinx
• White / Caucasian
• Other Race
• Two or More Races
• Prefer Not to Respond

Address *

Address Line 1

Address Line 2

City

--- Select state ---AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyomingState

Zip Code

Select your country of citizenship: *

• United States
• Other:

Other country of citizenship: *

Primary Phone Number *

Secondary Phone Number

Email Address *

Date of Birth *

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EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION

Current High School *

Graduating Year *

Note: The Chocolate University Class of 2025 applicant must be pursuing graduation in 2025 or 2026. Please sign up here to receive updates about future Chocolate University classes.

May 2024 GPA (Weighted)

May 2024 GPA (Unweighted) (Adjusted to 4.00 scale) *

Please attach a current transcript. *

Click or drag files to this area to upload. You can upload up to 5 files.

ACT Composite Score (0-36)

SAT Composite Score (400-1600)

Anticipated Field of Study following HS Graduation

Please describe any activities in which you have been involved...

Activities - Academic (i.e. Math Club)

Activities - Athletic, Extra Curricular (Photo Club)

Activities - Community Service (Faith, Scouts, Jr. Boards)

Awards / Recognition

Jobs or Internships

Family Responsibilities

Hobbies or Areas of Special Interest

Any other special circumstances the Selection Committee should know about:

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PARENT / GUARDIAN INFORMATION

Parent / Guardian #1 Name *

First

Last

Relationship to Applicant *

Parent / Guardian #1 Phone Number *

Parent / Guardian #1 Email Address *

Parent / Guardian #2 Name

First

Last

Relationship to Applicant

Parent / Guardian #2 Phone Number

Parent / Guardian #2 Email Address

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SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS (ALL REQUIRED)

Why are you interested in Chocolate University? *

What do you believe makes you a strong candidate for Chocolate University? *

How do you anticipate using your Chocolate University experience to further your future success? *

What has been your proudest achievement or biggest struggle to date? *

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PERSONALITY ASSESSMENT

Chocolate University Selection Committee works to select students with a high potential to benefit from the program as well as to create a balanced group composite with different personality types, skill sets and interests. Your answers to the following questions provide insight into your personality and fit within the group. There are no right or wrong responses.

The following statements describe me … always, usually, sometimes, not often, never.

1. When given a new task, I'm confident that I'll succeed.

• Always
• Usually
• Sometimes
• Not often
• Never

2. When one attempt fails, I learn from it and try again.

• Always
• Usually
• Sometimes
• Not often
• Never

3. When a task doesn't go to plan, it affects my self confidence.

• Always
• Usually
• Sometimes
• Not often
• Never

4. I am able to discuss challenges with people both at school and at home.

• Always
• Usually
• Sometimes
• Not often
• Never

5. When I encounter a difficulty, I quickly lose sight of my goal.

• Always
• Usually
• Sometimes
• Not often
• Never

6. Sometimes I question my commitment to school or work.

• Always
• Usually
• Sometimes
• Not often
• Never

7. I know and practice personal strategies to deal with stress.

• Always
• Usually
• Sometimes
• Not often
• Never

8. I find it easy to ask for help.

• Always
• Usually
• Sometimes
• Not often
• Never

9. I feel positive about the future.

• Always
• Usually
• Sometimes
• Not often
• Never

10. I worry about issues that I have no control over.

• Always
• Usually
• Sometimes
• Not often
• Never

11. I tend to think asking for assistance can reveal weakness.

• Always
• Usually
• Sometimes
• Not often
• Never

12. When there is a fundamental change, I struggle to come around to new ways of thinking.

• Always
• Usually
• Sometimes
• Not often
• Never

13. I have strong personal goals that are clear in my mind.

• Always
• Usually
• Sometimes
• Not often
• Never

14. I am more likely to say "yes" than "no".

• Always
• Usually
• Sometimes
• Not often
• Never

15. For me, failures are hard to forget and successes are hard to remember.

• Always
• Usually
• Sometimes
• Not often
• Never

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REFERENCES (Minimum of one reference required)

Reference Letter *

Click or drag files to this area to upload. You can upload up to 3 files.

Please attach a minimum of one reference letter. Please share contact information for up to three adult references.

1. Name *

First

Last

Relationship / Role *

Phone *

Email *

2. Name

First

Last

Relationship / Role

Phone

Email

3. Name

First

Last

Relationship / Role

Phone

Email

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TRIP COSTS / STUDENT FEES ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

A $500 student program registration fee is required of all participants and is payable on or before February 1, 2025 to Chocolate University. This program registration fee is not tax deductible or refundable. Additional expenses paid by individual travelers may include vaccinations, passport fees, and travel supplies and typically total $300-500. Additional financial support is available for students with expressed need and will be discussed during individual student interviews.

The total cost of the Chocolate University High School Immersion experience (meetings, travel, lodging, meals, etc) is over $5,000 per student. Local businesses, foundations, and community members have sponsored scholarships to cover the costs for this unique experience.

Chocolate University partners with community leaders to fund scholarships in order to enable the strongest applicants from Southwest Missouri to participate in the Chocolate University experience without financial constraint and in doing so commits to the creation of an inclusive and equitable Chocolate University Class

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND SUBMISSION

Acknowledgement *

• (Check Box to acknowledge the following) I have completed the Chocolate University High School International Business Immersion application accurately and truthfully. I have read and understand the required availability and mandatory meeting commitments. I have read and understand the registration fee and due date.

After submitting the application successfully, you will receive an email confirmation for your records at the email address you provided above.

Submit