Culinary Arts student earns Chime Workforce Scholarship

ECTC Culinary Arts student Hailie Breeding recently was awarded the Chime Workforce Scholarship, earning $1,000 to put toward her education. The Chime Workforce Scholarship recognizes high-achieving college students who are pursuing career and technical educational opportunities. Breeding is one of only 200 students to earn the scholarship.

“Earning this scholarship makes me proud of myself and shows that I’m doing well,” Breeding said.

She learned of the scholarship through her membership in Phi Theta Kappa, the college’s honors society. She said she joined for the leadership experience and to set herself apart if she decides to continue her education at a four-year university.

“Plus, it gets me out of my comfort zone and helps me be more comfortable with being uncomfortable,” she said.

Breeding is in her second year at ECTC. Her choice to go to college, as well as her area of study, stemmed from her family.

“My main reason to go to college is my parents. They didn’t have the chance to, and I have the opportunity so why not take it?” she said. “And we like cooking together, so they’ve been my biggest inspiration for where I’m at right now.”

Breeding would like to work in a bakery after she graduates, with the end goal of opening her own. She chose ECTC because of its culinary program, cost efficiency, and because it’s close to her home in Bardstown. Her instructors have been instrumental in her success, she said.

“The teachers here see you not as just some student, but as an individual,” she said. “They push you to be good at what you’re best at but also encourage you to focus on areas you might need to work on. They set you up to branch out and be the best that you can be.”