Ashley’s Culinary Co-Op Experience at the MHS Bake Shop

After enrolling at Milton Hershey School in ninth grade, Ashley Smith gained a solid foundation of culinary skills through the school’s Career and Technical Education program. Now, she has the opportunity to apply them in a real-world setting.

Ashley is participating in the school’s co-op program during her senior year of high school. For part of each school day, she works in the MHS bake shop alongside part-time and full-time employees where she bakes desserts to be served at various campus meals and events.

“I really enjoy cooking and seeing people’s reactions when they eat my food,” Ashley said.

Through her co-op experience, she has already experienced positive reactions to her food. At the beginning of her time in the bake shop, Ashley was inspired by a cranberry coconut pecan bar recipe she found in a magazine. After sharing her idea with the MHS baking team, she worked to create her own version of the dessert. It is now being served at events across campus.

After graduation, Ashley hopes to attend the Culinary Institute of America to pursue baking and pastry arts. Thanks to the culinary skills she gained at MHS, she has committed to her passion and learned how to achieve success.