TEMPLE, Texas — Every Monday and Wednesday morning, you’ll find Belton ISD students at Summer Moon Coffee in Temple, helping out behind the scenes.
While they’re not making the coffee, they’re contributing in other ways: offering a friendly smile, handing out drinks to customers, stocking supplies and assisting with cleanup.
The students are part of Belton ISD’s Work-Based Learning Program, which aims to prepare them for life after graduation and show them, as well as the community, there is a place for them in the workforce. These hands-on opportunities are designed to teach students important job skills while fostering connections between the school district and local businesses.
Amanda Maroney, the teacher overseeing the program, sees the initiative as a win for both students and the community.
"I think it's a good opportunity for the community to see that all abilities have the possibility to come and work and to hold a job," Maroney said. "It teaches patience to the community and at the same time it's teaching job skills to these students.
The students' presence at Summer Moon provides them with an introduction to the responsibilities and expectations of a work environment, all while offering a positive impact on the local business. As the students continue to develop their skills, the hope is that these experiences will not only help them secure jobs but also give them the confidence to succeed in any career they choose to pursue.
McKenzie Fleming, co-owner of Summer Moon in Temple, said it's been a treat watching the Belton ISD students grow and learn while at the coffee shop.
"It was a no brainer, we said, of course we want all of them to come here and help and they've been such an asset to Summer Moon for sure," Fleming added. "I really hope that the community sees that these kids have such a heart and such a passion for anything that they do and to pour themselves into coffee and into this community and have the courage to come and to talk to strangers is not easy."
McKenzie Moore, a senior in the program, said spending time at Summer Moon has taught her many lessons including the importance of keeping things clean, following directions and helping customers.
Another senior in the program, Mea Koscinski, said she has become more confident.
6 News has featured Belton ISD's Work Based Learning Program before. The seniors operate a coffee shop out of Lake Belton High School called "Buckles and Beans Coffee Co."
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