For Employers
Hire young people who have already practiced the job.
First Course students learn to communicate, work as a team, carry themselves at work and handle money, then put it to work in a real café rush. You can watch them work at our Showcase before you decide.
Photo: Spring 2026 pilot grads at Wrigley Coffee.
Three ways to take part.
Pick one, or all three. Each button fills in the form for you.
After the Showcase
Host an intern
Give a grad real work experience in your business.
I’d like to hostHow it works
Hosting an intern
Internships are competitive, and no student is promised one. Students are chosen on attendance, skills, the Showcase and an interview.
How many we can offer depends on funding and on what local businesses need.
What we ask of a host
- A point person
- Honest feedback
- A safe workplace
Tick “Host an intern” on the form. We’ll email you within 2 business days.
A new cohort every semester
Hire grads
Meet young people who have already practiced the job. Watch them work at the Showcase before you decide.
I’d like to hireWhat happens next
Hiring a grad
- 1Say hello. Fill out the 1-minute partner form.
- 2Meet the cohort. Come to the Community Showcase.
- 3Interview your picks. With student and parent OK, we share attendance and a skills summary.
- 4Grow together. Host an intern or hire a grad. A new cohort starts every semester.
Tick “Hire grads” on the form. We’ll email you within 2 business days.
After they finish
Mentor
Every grad keeps access to mentoring on job search and interviews. Want to be part of that? Tell us.
I’d like to mentorHow it works
Mentoring a grad
Every grad keeps access to mentoring on job search and interviews after the four weeks end.
What grads have already covered
- Building a resume, and where to look for a first job
- A 30-second introduction
- How to ask for a reference, and how to say thank you
Tick “Mentor” on the form and tell us a little about you. We’ll email you within 2 business days.
What every grad has practiced.
Each skill below is taught and practiced inside a working café, and you can see exactly how.
Communicate with guests and coworkers
A lesson on tone, body language, listening and word choice. Then two practice services, and real guests at the Showcase.
Show up, and call ahead when they can’t
Showing up is the first workplace norm we teach. Every session counts, and students tell us ahead of time if they can’t be there.
Work as a team
Practice orders where every student plays every role, from the register to the espresso machine.
Handle money
Lessons on budgeting, credit and money basics. Then making change at the register.
Bring a resume and references
A session on building a resume. Later, how to ask for a reference, a 30-second introduction and a thank-you note.
Follow food-safety basics
Handwashing, keeping milk cold, first in first out and the three-compartment sink.
Run the register and the espresso machine
Entering orders, making change and keeping orders moving. Then pulling shots and steaming milk safely, behind the counter at Wrigley Coffee.
- See all nine sessions
Then they prove it
Two practice services, then the Showcase.
Every student works as cashier and as barista. On the last day a facilitator scores each of them during live service.
Why you can count on itOne-on-one coaching, and a certificate they have to earn.
Coached one on one
Each student gets one-on-one check-ins on goals, attendance and what’s getting in the way.
Earned a Hospitality Certificate
It goes to students who meet the hospitality skills rubric and attendance.
Not ready to decide? Just come and watch.
The Community Showcase is Fri, Nov 6 at Wrigley Coffee, guests 5 to 7 PM. Students make and serve the drinks. Everyone is welcome.