From Bees to Degrees: How Anthony Ondo Turns Honey into College Tuition

Can bees really pay for college? For Anthony Ondo, the answer is a resounding yes. As a 23-year-old student at Chatham University, Ondo doesn't just attend classes on sustainable business. He lives it by using a thriving beekeeping business to fund his education.

Bee Business by the Numbers

Ondo's apiary consists of 50 hives spread throughout western Pennsylvania. Each hive is a buzzing testament to his entrepreneurial spirit. With honey harvests happening twice a year, the income generated covers more than just honeycomb. It pays for Ondo's tuition, allowing him to sidestep the typical financial burdens of student loans and part-time jobs.

Since launching his business in 2024, Ondo's bee enterprise has consistently turned a profit. "I've some scholarship opportunities and do take one small federal loan, but other than that, I'm able to pay the rest of that tuition with money from my business," Ondo says proudly. Flexibility is key here. Unlike a standard 9-to-5 job, beekeeping allows him to manage his time efficiently, focusing on both his studies and his business.

The Broader Impact

We often hear about how tech startups and venture capitalists shape young entrepreneurs. But Ondo's approach paints a different picture. This isn't about flashy pitch decks or rounds of funding. It's about sustainable growth and local partnerships. By knocking on doors and negotiating deals with property owners to host his hives, Ondo has created a micro-economy of goodwill and honey.

In some ways, Ondo's venture defies the typical startup narrative where capital and scalability take center stage. Instead, it emphasizes sustainability and community engagement. The ROI here isn't in a new token, it's in Ondo's ability to take an unglamorous, yet rewarding, path to financial independence.

Voices from the Hive

According to Emily Heffernan, dean of Chatham University's Falk School of Sustainability and Environment, Ondo epitomizes the school's mission. "we've one planet. This is our home, and we need to learn how to take care of it. Anthony's a great example of that," she states. Ondo isn't just involved in his own apiary. He also oversees two others on the university's 388-acre Eden Hall campus, offering students hands-on experience in sustainable practices.

This commitment has resonated well with locals and business partners like Dillner Family Farms. Community members benefit from the pollination, and in return, they get not just honey but a sense of involvement in a rising local endeavor. It raises an important question: Could more grassroots initiatives like this transform how we think about sustainable business practices?

What's Next for Ondo?

So what can we expect from Ondo as he continues his journey? Scaling up seems inevitable. As he expands his hive count, Ondo is also expanding his distribution network. He's mindful about who he partners with, emphasizing education on the importance of local honey. This careful expansion strategy highlights the value of quality over quantity, a rare approach in today's fast-paced business world.

, Ondo's model could serve as inspiration for other students grappling with tuition costs. It's a reminder that sometimes the best financial strategy involves looking closer to home - or in this case, closer to the hive. It's a fascinating case of how traditional practices can find their place in modern economies.

As more young entrepreneurs like Ondo challenge conventional business norms, one can't help but wonder: Are we witnessing the dawn of a new era where local and sustainable trump global and fast? If the buzz around Ondo's enterprise is any indication, the answer might just be a sweet "yes."