Antonio Cummings, Courtney, and Chloe Gadson – all Hillside Work-Scholarship graduates – at the Wegmans in Prince George’s County, Maryland.
Antonio Cummings knew he wanted to go to college, but he also wanted more real-world work experience. Participating in Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection prepared him for both.
Upon graduating from Potomac High School (Oxon Hill, MD), Antonio was selected as the first Hillside student in Prince George’s County to be accepted into the Management Internship Program at Wegmans.
“I was so excited to be chosen for this program,” Antonio said. “My school’s Work-Scholarship program provided important preparation steps to apply and prepare. My Youth Advocate helped with my resume, interviewing skills, and coaching on how to conduct a successful interview. It made a huge difference for me.”
The program only selects a few students to take part in the program, which requires students to be committed to work training while pursuing their college degree. Antonio excelled at both college and at work, becoming the valedictorian of his graduating class with an associate degree in Business from Allegany College of Maryland in 2018. He then went on to obtain his Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Towson University in 2020, all while completing his Wegmans internship. Now as a college graduate, Antonio has been promoted to the role of Service Team Leader at Wegmans.
“Through his incredible leadership, Antonio truly epitomizes the values that positions Wegmans as a Great Place to Work and Shop for All,” said Ayana Douglas, Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion, Wegmans Food Markets and a member of the HWSC Advisory Council in Prince George’s County.
“Antonio takes great pride in his role here at Wegmans, leveraging the skills and knowledge that he gained as a Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection student to continually make a difference in the lives of his employees and customers. It is no surprise that the invaluable guidance and preparation Antonio received from his Hillside Youth Advocates and mentors, along with his education and the experience and resources gained from his employment at Wegmans, has provided a strong foundation for Antonio to succeed, both personally and professionally,” Douglas said.
Two other recent HWSC alumni, twins Courtney and Chloe Gadson, are also currently employed at Wegmans – and bringing it all full circle, Antonio is their mentor. All three demonstrate the power of the Work-Scholarship program and the possibilities it presents for participating students.