Purdue Engineering Student Wins Scholarship for Innovative Allergy-Safe Bakery Concept

Addison Wood, a first-year engineering student at Purdue University, has been awarded the 2024 First Coast Home Pros Young Entrepreneur Scholarship for her innovative business concept, Alchemy Bakery. The $2,500 scholarship recognizes Wood's entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to addressing a critical need for individuals with food allergies.

Inspired by her personal experience living with a severe peanut allergy, Wood's proposed bakery would offer baked goods free from the nine most common food allergens. Her concept goes beyond a typical business idea, representing a solution to a significant challenge faced by many individuals with dietary restrictions.

Wood's scholarship-winning proposal showcases her ability to transform personal challenges into meaningful entrepreneurial opportunities. Her vision for Alchemy Bakery demonstrates a unique blend of empathy, innovation, and business acumen that sets her apart from her peers.

Currently pursuing a Civil Engineering degree with a concentration in Transportation and Infrastructure Systems, Wood exhibits a diverse range of interests and capabilities. Beyond her academic pursuits, she remains actively engaged in campus activities, supporting organizations like Make-A-Wish through Chi Omega and participating in Higher Ground Dance Company.

The scholarship provides Wood with financial support and recognition of her potential as a future entrepreneur. Her long-term goals include interning during her college years, establishing a career in engineering, and eventually pursuing an MBA to launch her own business.

Wood's multifaceted approach to her personal and professional development reflects a generation of young entrepreneurs who seek to create businesses that not only generate revenue but also solve meaningful societal challenges. Her story illustrates the power of combining personal experience, technical education, and entrepreneurial vision.

As she continues her academic journey at Purdue University, Addison Wood represents a promising example of young talent committed to innovation, social responsibility, and personal growth. The First Coast Home Pros Young Entrepreneur Scholarship serves as a crucial support mechanism for emerging entrepreneurs like Wood, enabling them to pursue their creative and impactful business ideas.