Culinary Skills Brew Success at Tesoro High's Turbo Cafe

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The Turbo Cafe at Tesoro High School, run by students in the special education STEPS program, demonstrates the integration of culinary arts into educational settings to improve life and vocational skills. The cafe, open twice a week, offers fresh meals and specialty coffees, serving as a practical training venue for students with special needs. The program focuses on structured teaching, education-based methods, promoting independence, and student-centered instruction, with goals of preparing students for future employment and independent living.

Brandon Magrell, a junior at Tesoro High and a chef at Turbo Cafe, recently prepared chips with sriracha aioli sauce, describing the sauce enthusiastically. This effort is part of a wider initiative to teach culinary skills to students with special needs, helping them acquire important abilities like counting, measuring, and following instructions, which are vital for personal and professional growth.

In December 2022, the Bridges Community Day School and Adult Transition Program, supported by the district’s College and Career Advantage program, opened a new culinary lab. Luci Coppola, the principal of Bridges and ATP, stated that the lab helps develop functional and vocational skills and prepares students for further education and future jobs. This reflects a broader recognition of the value of practical, hands-on education for students with special needs.

The business model of Turbo Cafe encourages interactions among STEPS students, general education students, faculty, and staff, enriching the educational experience for everyone. On a typical day, the cafe offers various meals, like California burritos and powerfood parfaits, and drinks prepared by student barista Abby Gaya. With meals priced up to $5 and drinks at $2, the cafe is accessible while also teaching students business management skills.