Chocolate University – International Business Immersion

Class of 2027 Application 

The Chocolate University International Business Immersion is an initiative of Askinosie Chocolate, Drury University, and 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 September 15, 2026, at 11:59 pm.

Selection: Applications are evaluated by a selection committee of 5-6 adults composed of representatives from Drury University, Askinosie Chocolate, Askinosie Foundation, Chocolate University Alumni, 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-September. Final selection will be complete by October 2026.

Eligibility: Applicants must be members of the graduating class of 2027 or 2028 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 July 1, 2027.

Availability: Attendance for the program orientation meeting (November 7, from 9 a.m. – 12:30 noon) by student and at least one parent is required. Attendance at six class meetings held during after-school hours from December 2026 through June 2027 is also required for participation.  Applicants will attend a 4-5 day on-campus experience at Drury University (target dates June 27 – July 1, 2027) Lastly, the group will travel to/from Tanzania (target July 6-17, 2027). Final travel dates will be communicated by March 1, 2027.

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

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

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 *

Please attach a current headshot. *

Drag & Drop Files, Choose Files to Upload

Click or drag files to this area to upload. You can upload 1 file in .jpeg or .png format up to 2mb. Please select a photo with a simple, solid background that includes your head and shoulders similar to a school photo or passport photo.

---

EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION

Current High School *

Graduating Year *

Note: The Chocolate University Class of 2027 applicant must be pursuing graduation in 2027 or 2028. Please sign up here to receive updates about future Chocolate University classes.

May 2026 GPA (Weighted)

May 2026 GPA (Unweighted) (Adjusted to 4.00 scale) *

Please attach a current transcript. *

Drag & Drop Files, Choose Files to Upload You can upload up to 2 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. Please note duration of involvement, typical hours spent per week or month and any leadership roles...

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

#1 Sometimes affects

Hobbies or Areas of Special Interest

Any other special circumstances the Selection Committee should know about:

---

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

---

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? *

---

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

---

REFERENCES (Minimum of one reference required)

1. Name *

First

Last

Relationship / Role *

Phone *

Email *

2. Name

First

Last

Relationship / Role

Phone

Email

3. Name

First

Last

Relationship / Role

Phone

Email

---

Required Recommendation Form (minimum of one recommendation required)

Please request that at least one of your references complete the CU Recommendation Form as part of your application. Your application is due on September 15. The recommendation form should be completed no later than September 23.

Sample request: Please copy, personalize/customize, and send to your contacts.

Dear NAME,
I am applying to the Chocolate University international business experiential learning program. You can learn more about the program at chocolateuniversity.org. I would like to include your recommendation of me for this program in my application. Please confirm your willingness to complete the recommendation form at this link. The form is due no later than 9/23/26. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you,
STUDENT NAME

---

TRIP COSTS / STUDENT FEES ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

A $500-750 student program registration fee is required of all participants and is payable on or before the February 2027 parent orientation meeting. 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 $400-600. 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 estimated at $6,200 per student. Local businesses, individual donors, 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