There is something incredible happening in Bishop, and it happens every school day! This daily event is more than a cup of coffee, it’s a way of life! It’s called the Bronco Coffee Cart and it is a go to for the students and staff at Bishop Union High School.
The Coffee Cart is a student-run business, run by students with disabilities giving them a chance to learn functional work skills before entering the workforce. Alice Bruck, current Special Education teacher who oversees this program currently has 13 students, who range in ages from 14-22, in grades 9-12+, run the Coffee Cart everyday from 9:00am – 10:30am. Each student is assigned a specific job which rotates every week and gives students an opportunity to work on real life skills.
We even got some input from Mr. Ken Dutton, our new Mammoth Middle School principal, who has fond memories of the coffee cart. As a former Bronco staff member, Ken reflects on one of the students he still knows that “has been working for Von’s and the skills he learned from the ‘Coffee Cart’ was a big part of that.”
MMCF recently funded some new technology for this program. We got a chance to talk to Alice Bruck on the progress of the “Coffee Cart” and here is what she had to say.
What did you get from the grant?
iPad, iPad pencil, ipad case, iPad stand/attachment, apps for practicing money/math skills
How did this grant improve the lives of the students in regards to technology?
My students are now able to practice "real-life"cashier skills on our Bronco Coffee Cart. We have Square and now, they are able to enter in the orders on the iPad, give back the correct amount of change, and even allow customers to use credit cards for their purchases.
How did this grant improve the lives of the students and their educational experience?
Similar to my answer to number 2. But, now they are more motivated to work on the coffee cart because the iPad simulates working at a real coffee shop in our community (like Looney Bean).
Did this grant make a difference in the student interaction with the school population?
Yes, many of our staff/customers and student body have asked our students what they are doing with the iPad. My students are so proud to show them how to enter in each order and use the card reader to swipe or touch credit cards.
Did the technology purchased with the grant funds have the effect you were hoping for?
Yes, it really did! I am so happy to see that it is truly helping my students practice real work skills that simulate a coffee shop in the community.
How did the grant serve your student population?
My students are using the iPad on a daily basis as a POS system at our student-led job on the Bronco Coffee Cart.
Is there anything you would like to convey to our donors?
Thank you so much for giving my students the opportunity to have access to a real POS system. They are receiving great real-world work experience skills through this iPad! Thank you, thank you!!
Thank you to our generous donors and MMCF family. MMCF continues to touch lives and make a difference in the Eastern Sierra thanks to YOU!
Article Credit: MMCF Grant Report (https://mammothfoundation.org/mmcf-news/grant-bhs-coffee?mc_cid=ac8341b3cb&mc_eid=79a88a08a2)