Gameday: Cooking for Inclusion was a youth-led initiative at Florida A&M University (FAMU) that brought students and Special Olympics athletes together through food, friendship, and celebration. The project featured two major events: an inclusive cooking class and a basketball team banquet. Both experiences were designed to create a welcoming environment where everyone felt seen, heard, and valued.
Youth Leader Jasmine Jenkins was inspired by the power of food to bring people together in meaningful ways. She was further motivated by the passion of her Innovation Cohort peers and the support of mentors Eliana and Mel. Their encouragement helped her find creative ways to make the events inclusive and engaging for all participants.
The cooking class included stations for pizza-making, cookie decorating, and fruit basket creation, with recipes tailored to accommodate various dietary needs. Participants rotated through each station in small groups, fostering collaboration and connection while learning basic cooking skills. The follow-up banquet honored the achievements of a Special Olympics basketball team and brought athletes, coaches, and supporters together in celebration.
The project engaged 11 Special Olympics athletes, 17 students without ID, and introduced 12 new youth leaders. It expanded programming at 1 Unified School and reached over 80 people via social media. More importantly, it strengthened community ties and sparked interest in future inclusive events at FAMU.
Jasmine is most proud of the high turnout and positive energy at both events, which represented the largest solo initiative ever hosted by the club. She learned valuable lessons in marketing, outreach, and adaptability, especially when planning for dietary needs and engaging a wider audience. Looking ahead, she plans to use the momentum and feedback to develop new inclusive programs and expand the club’s reach.