Every Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., students from Weeki Wachee High School travel to Winding Waters K-8 in Weeki Wachee, Florida, to operate a fully functioning coffee delivery service for teachers and staff. The Yellow Jackets’ Cafe serves as a hands-on job training program for Exceptional Student Education (ESE) students with varying abilities, including autism, ADHD, and intellectual impairments.
The program, led by Anne McHugh, an employment specialist and ESE teacher, aims to teach workplace and communication skills through real-world experience. High school students mentor and assist middle school students, helping them gain confidence and skills before transitioning to high school. The idea for the coffee shop grew from an existing program at Weeki Wachee High School that began about 10 years ago and was expanded into a broader career training program four years ago. In addition to operating the cafe, students gain experience in graphic arts by designing T-shirts and aprons.
For students like Jayden Vazquez, a seventh grader at Winding Waters, the experience has been transformative. Just a year ago, answering a ringing phone would have felt overwhelming for Vazquez. Now, he confidently greets callers and takes detailed orders for caramel macchiatos and brownies, which are sold at the cafe. The collaboration between Weeki Wachee High School and Winding Waters K-8 provides leadership opportunities for older students while helping younger students develop essential skills.
The Yellow Jackets’ Cafe has become a valuable resource for the school community, providing a unique learning experience for ESE students and teaching high school students the importance of leadership and mentorship. As the program continues to grow, it serves as a model for similar initiatives in the region, highlighting the importance of inclusive education and community engagement.
Originally reported by Hernando Sun
Sources: Hernando Sun
