Students at Middletown High School have launched a new business: a student-run coffee cart. The cart offers coffee, tea, hot chocolate, pastries, protein snacks, and pre-packaged trail mix to staff. The project is part of the school’s Learning for Life program, providing hands-on experience in entrepreneurship.
The idea came from Mrs. Steele, head of the Learning for Life program, who proposed the cart as both a convenience and a learning opportunity for her students. The school’s administration and staff quickly supported the plan and began participating.
Junior, Dominic Goline, is a student in the Learning for Life program and is a participant of the coffee cart. “I really like being able to make the drinks and food for everyone and then going to deliver it,” Dominic explained. The students spent weeks preparing by reaching out to staff, testing recipes, and getting the business started up.
The business operates from a repurposed school supply cart, equipped with the proper materials for the student-run business. The snacks are made with recipes by the students on Tuesdays and the drinks are freshly brewed, made, and delivered on Wednesdays .
“It’s actually a two-day process, so the kids really put a lot of time into it,” said Steele.
The students manage everything from taking orders, following the recipes, using everyday kitchen appliances, to delivering the goods to staff. The funds gained by the business are then used to put toward field trips for the students.
The response has been very positive, with many orders sent in each week from teachers and other staff members. “I’ve heard through the grapevine that a couple students have started asking their teachers if they would be able to order from the coffee cart,” says Steele. After hearing these requests the Learning for Life program is now hoping to offer their business to the students of Middletown High School.
Students in the program are all able to participate in the making and delivering of the foods and drinks. The program even has a few Student Service Learners (student-helpers in the class) that go along with the students to offer extra help and support; whether it’s making the food or delivering the items to the staff.
The Learning for Life program also offers a lot more activities for the students to participate in; one being a talent show. The students are able to show off their talents and have fun with their friends.
“It is something that not only the Learning for Life students can participate in, but general education students are also able to show off their talents as well, so we really encourage everyone to get involved,” commented Steele.
The Learning for Life program has become a social hub, bringing students and teachers together. With every cup, the Learning for Life coffee cart shows how well special education students can incorporate innovation and leadership into their school day. It’s more than just coffee—it’s about community, creativity, and learning in action.
