Thousand Oaks High School’s Learning Essentials Academic Program (LEAP) launched a coffee cart to teach life skills while raising funds for the program.
The coffee cart was established by Assistant Principal of Student Support Services Michelle Kerrigan, whose vision is for a micro-business in the special education program.
The cart allows special education students to practice real-world skills and build on their social skills/cues. Teachers submit paper forms to order, and students take charge of the operation, from delivering orders to gathering supplies to brewing coffee.
“It’s inspiring to see them step up and take the initiative,” special education teacher Klaudla Malpaya said.
Using two Keurig machines, students prepare coffee during nutrition and Malpaya’s fourth-period Life Skill Class.
The program funds its supplies, such as creamers and cups, with tips and donations from teachers covering additional costs. In the long run, teachers want the program to be fully student-run with multiple days of service.
The beverage menu is delivered on Monday and Tuesday consisting of coffee for $1.50, hot chocolate for $1.50 and iced coffee for $2.
The LEAP students make each cup using visual step-by-step instructions. Each student rotates tasks to ensure everyone gets a chance to participate, whether it’s brewing the coffee, preparing supplies or delivering orders.
“They’re taking initiative,” special education teacher Lori Faunt said. “They weren’t doing that before. They’re getting more brave about walking into a classroom and delivering the coffee or even just going and taking the orders. It’s something as little as that can be intimidating.”
Teachers and staff have been supportive, with many offering generous tips or paying it forward for others. The first week the program ran, the coffee cart had more than 15 sales from teachers.
“Mid-morning coffee is always a necessity,” English teacher Tasha Beaudoin said. “The high five and the fist bump with the students is what makes it great. It’s serving two purposes, they get to bring us joy, and we (the teachers) are helping to support the program.”
