Embedded Files
Bear’s Brew is more than just a coffee shop, it’s a hands-on learning experience designed to prepare students for real-world success. Through roles in customer service, food preparation, and money handling, students develop both hard skills and essential soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. The program also introduces financial literacy concepts, including budgeting and understanding tips, while fostering self-confidence and social growth in a supportive, community-based environment.
Team Members
Rachel Barker
Researcher
Lornice Parker
Lead Teacher
Yansy Suazo
Administrative Liaison
Alexandria Pelton
Lead Researcher
Arooj Fatimah
Arooj Fatimah
Lead Assistant
Annice Gonzalez
Annice Gonzalez
Lead Assistant
Hours of Operation
Wednesday Mornings from 9:00 AM-11:00 AM
Project Goals
Support the development of independence and job- related skills through a simulated school based enterprise.
Teach essential vocational and career readiness skills to ease the transition from school to employment.
Foster strong teamwork, communication, and customer service skills in a collaborative setting.
Promote financial literacy through hands-on lessons in budgeting, money handling, and understanding tips.
Build confidence and real-time problem-solving abilities in a supportive, authentic workplace environment.
This semester, Bears Brew has launched a research initiative dedicated to enhancing job-related communication skills for all students, with a special emphasis on supporting those with higher support needs. Through this program, students are developing essential workplace skills, including taking, fulfilling, and delivering orders, maintaining focus within their designated work areas, and effectively communicating with team members to ensure successful order completion. This initiative has been reviewed and approved by the University of Central Florida Institutional Review Board (IRB).
Bear’s Brew has become more than just a Wednesday morning coffee shop. It’s a space for students to grow, connect, and gain real-world experience. We’d love to hear from you!
Whether you’re a parent, staff member, or community supporter, use this space to share your experience, leave a kind word, or tell us how Bear’s Brew has made an impact.
Your stories help us celebrate student growth and inspire continued support for this meaningful project.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse