Transition Students Embrace New Skills at The Brookville Beans Coffee Bar
“Special delivery!” Miles Semilof said as he handed an ice-cold cup of peppermint mocha to his mother. Robyn Semilof was one of several volunteers treated to refreshments from the Ed Center’s newly launched Brookville Beans coffee bar.
While working with school staff at a December event, parents were invited to choose a beverage off the coffee bar menu by Denise Gaughan, Children’s Education Center Director. Volunteers had many options to choose from, including iced coffee, mochas, and fruit refreshers.
The goal of the coffee bar initiative is to teach high school students practical skills and explore future employment opportunities.
“They are learning everything,” Denise said. “From brewing and storing the coffee the night before, to preparing and serving drinks to customers.”
During the event, Miles and his classmate Manuel Lopez were assisted by Denise in making customer orders. After completing a couple of drinks, their confidence increased and they quickened their pace.
Several days a week, students head to the coffee bar, located on the lower level of the Cissy Birnbaum building, for training.
The building is also home to the model apartment, school store, and Practical Assessment Exploration System (PAES) lab, all essential components of the transition student curriculum.
Miles and Manuel have come a long way working at Brookville Beans. They have garnered enough practice to remember every step, from equipment setup to shutting down the shop at the end of their “shift.”
So far, the students love every minute of running their own enterprise. They developed a sense of ownership that pushes them to do a good job.
Transition supports for students begin at age 14, with opportunities and curriculum designed for students to take on a range of workplace skills through their work in the PAES lab, school store, coffee bar, and through community partnerships.
Looking ahead, these students are empowered to build the life and pre-employment skills that will support their happiness and independence post-graduation.
And this powerful mix of services helps them to uncover multiple successful paths on their journey to adulthood.