Two Columbus State students earn US Foods Scholars Award

Campus News | Monday, September 8, 2025

   

                         Montye Ibokette                                                                      Simone Robinson

Of 18 students nationwide receiving a prestigious culinary-based scholarship, two are Columbus State students!

Montye Ibokette and Simone Robinson have each been awarded a $20,000 US Foods Scholars Award. The scholarships help cover their culinary education and professional development opportunities through US Foods.

Ibokette is a hospitality management major with a focus on restaurant and food service. Robinson is a nutrition and dietetics major. Both are Columbus natives.  

This year’s class of Scholars represents 14 top culinary and hospitality programs across the country, with recipients chosen for their exceptional talent, academic achievement, and commitment to the future of foodservice. 

The program comes at a pivotal time, as the restaurant industry is projected to add more than 200,000 jobs this year and grow 8% over the next decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Since its launch in 2017, US Foods Scholars has awarded more than $2 million in scholarships to over 100 students, pairing financial support with mentorship to prepare them for successful culinary and hospitality careers. 

 

 

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