One of Utah’s favorite bakeries, Kneaders, recently celebrated its 25th anniversary by giving back to those who have helped shape the restaurant: their employees. Colleen Worthington, owner and founder of Kneaders, personally contacted each of the 10 employees to inform them of their prize. Each one received a $2,500 scholarship to enable them to pursue their post-secondary education goals. 

“We love the people who work for us and want the best for them,” Worthington said. “We’re giving back to the kids who work for us so that they can live their best lives and dreams.” She also said that education is extremely important to her family. This love of school started with her grandmother and her large family, who all graduated from college in the early 1900s.

“It’s hard to believe that it has already been 25 years,” said James Worthington, CEO of Kneaders. “To have had the opportunity to bring our vision of creating a place that communities can ‘come home to’ and rely on for simple and honest food to over 50 places across the country has been a dream come true. We would not be where we are today, celebrating this incredible milestone, if it were not for the dedicated and enthusiastic employees that have backed us along the way. It only felt right to make them the center of our celebration by giving back to those that have given so much to us.” 

Kneaders’ employees had an opportunity to submit a video explaining why they wanted the scholarship. The Worthingtons and other management reviewed each video. “We looked at personal and educational sacrifices that these students were making. We also considered performances in school and at work, as well as what they were giving back to the community.”

The scholarships were available for all employees currently pursuing post-secondary education throughout the company’s 51 locations across six states (Utah, Idaho, Arizona, Colorado, Nevada and Texas). A scholarship selection committee comprised of Kneaders’ founders, executives and corporate teams reviewed and selected the top 10 candidates based on applicants’ videos expressing how their education will shape them and their various communities. Each winner will use the scholarship to pursue their dreams, some of which include becoming a child psychologist, math teacher, anesthesiologist, nutritionist and more. 

“I have had so many opportunities to grow with Kneaders,” said Caitlyn Nye, a scholarship recipient at the Kaysville store. “The reason I’ve stayed for so long is that I love the company, the people and the food. I love the community at Kneaders and it’s been a good fit for me.”

Nye started working for Kneaders in August 2019 when she was 16 years old. Now 19, Nye continues to work as an hourly manager on Saturdays while she attends Weber State University. She is working on her master’s degree in Secondary Education as a math teacher. “I was totally excited and overjoyed when I got the call from Colleen,” said Nye. “It was really kind of exciting for me to find out that I got [the scholarship]. I’m really grateful for this opportunity; it’s a huge blessing for me.”

“What impresses me about Kneaders is how they care about your individual growth,” Nye said. “I’ve done cross-training and leadership training, which has made me a better employee and taught me valuable lessons that I can take into my future, and now Kneaders is helping me pursue my educational dreams with this scholarship. I’m so grateful for the support Kneaders has shown me and continues to show me throughout my years working here.”

These scholarships are only the start for Kneaders. The company continues to build on the accomplishments from the past 25 years and to further invest in all of its employees and communities.