Hinds Community College sophomore Anahja Reed sees her study of Culinary Arts Technology as a way to create connections between people.
“I am inspired by the power of culinary arts to bring joy and forge connections among people,” Reed said. “Food has a magical way of bridging gaps and creating shared moments.
“That’s why I’m studying culinary art: Because I am deeply passionate about being a catalyst for those meaningful connections.”
Reed, a resident of Jackson, is the Utica Campus’s 2024 Scholar for the “White House Initiative on Advancing Education Equity, Excellence and Economic Development through Historically Black Colleges and Universities.”
The 2024 HBCU Scholar Recognition Program is the 10th cohort of scholars. Students compete with hundreds of other applicants but only a few dozen are chosen to join the program. They serve in the program for one year.
One aspect of being selected for the initiative is the U.S. Department of Education’s recognition of student excellence and dedication, and Reed is an outstanding student. She is on the Dean’s List and has made President’s List, too. She is a member of the Alpha Beta Xi chapter of Phi Theta Kappa and was selected as a member of the 2023 All-Mississippi Academic Team. She is also a member of the choir and the robotics team at Utica.
Reed said she is proud of representing Hinds and feels gratitude towards the college.
“Being chosen to represent Hinds’ Utica Campus is a significant honor. It means I have the chance to share my journey, inspire others and highlight the incredible support and education I’ve received here. This honor is a wonderful opportunity to explore new horizons and build valuable networks for the future,” she said.
Over the course of a school year, HBCU Scholars will come together for projects and brainstorming on issues like the environment and food deserts. They will represent their communities as they learn from professionals and from each other how to solve real-world problems back home.
The U.S. Department of Education’s website describes the White House program as having the goal of partnering with students to serve and support the scholars as they serve their respective communities.
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Hinds offers affordable, comprehensive educational opportunities across six campus locations and has nearly 500 academic classes guaranteed to transfer to a university, over 65 career and technical program options and an extensive array of online courses. Applications for general admissions are currently being accepted. Prospective students are encouraged to apply and explore enrollment steps at hindscc.edu/enroll.
Our Mission: Hinds Community College is committed to moving people and communities forward by helping develop their purpose, passion and profession.
Our Vision: Hinds Community College will be a catalyst to create a competitive economy and a compelling culture for Mississippi.
Our Values: Hinds Community College aspires to the following IDEALS: Integrity, Diversity, Excellence, Accountability, Leadership, Stewardship.
To learn more, visit www.hindscc.edu or call 1.800.HindsCC.