Mineola Union Free School District (MUFSD) seniors are receiving real-world work experience while earning industry-recognized business certifications—and getting paid while they learn.
Called Business to Barista, the program is managed jointly between MUFSD and Aramark Student Nutrition, the New York school district’s foodservice provider.
"Mineola's Business to Barista program is a true example of experiential learning in action,” said Dr. Nicole Culella, District Coordinator of Career, Community, and STEAM Opportunities, MUFSD. “It allows students to learn essential business concepts and principles while being fully engaged in the day-to-day operations of a student-run business that is open to the public."
At the school’s Café @ Synergy, located at MUFSD’s Synergy building, students, faculty, and community members can get coffee, snacks, and other beverages before, between, and after classes.
The Café also serves breakfast and lunch grab-and-go options with seating for reading, studying, or collaborating on projects.
“The Business to Barista program has so much energy and enthusiasm behind it,” said Kate Ruivo, Foodservice Director at MUFSD, Aramark Student Nutrition. “It’s a great way for the students to gain life skills and experience—and for us to offer guidance to students who may want to continue their careers in hospitality.”
The Café, open school days from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, is staffed by MUFSD seniors who are gaining work experience and taking business courses that directly relate to their skill sets.
Completion of the courses results in meaningful professional business certifications, including Communication Skills for Business, Entrepreneurship and Small Business, and Intuit QuickBooks Online Certified User designations.
The students in Business to Barista are deeply engaged in the Café’s business model, taking part in brainstorming sessions to improve service and the customer experience.
There is also an option for students to complete the Intuit Design for Delight Innovator Certification, which helps promote creativity, critical thinking, complex problem-solving, and collaboration.
