Grand Island Coffee Shop Builds Job Skills for High School Students
Grand Island, Neb. — A unique student-run coffee shop is making waves by teaching high schoolers critical job skills while serving the public early every weekday morning. Islander Express, located at 644 S. Locust St., operates Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. as part of Grand Island Public Schools’ Workforce Prep Academy, offering hands-on work experience for students with diverse abilities.
Designed for students who prepare to enter the workforce rather than pursue college, the program equips them with vital skills such as customer service, money management, and teamwork. Coordinator Lori Watts emphasized the shop’s role in bridging education and real-world employment.
“Many students don’t go on to college and want to enter the workforce directly. This program gives them essential job skills and confidence,” Watts said.
Student employees receive in-house support from job coaches who guide them through customer interactions and daily challenges. These coaches stand ready to assist if students feel nervous or uncertain, ensuring a safe learning environment where mistakes become lessons rather than setbacks.
Watts highlighted the program’s impact beyond the shop itself, noting its success in helping students secure community jobs. “It’s incredible to see these students hired out in local businesses and thriving,” Watts said, calling the visible growth “one of the best parts” of the initiative.
Students Gain Confidence and Career Goals
For juniors like Keelie Andersen, working at Islander Express is a stepping stone. She shared her aspirations to expand her customer service skills and hopes to become a waitress or customer service professional in the future.
Regular customers also praise the shop’s inviting atmosphere and quality service. Ed Meedle, a frequent visitor, described Islander Express as a “quiet, welcoming place perfect for meetings or catching up over coffee.”
Community Invited to Support and Engage
Watts urges the Grand Island community and beyond to visit Islander Express, stressing the importance of community involvement in the students’ learning. The shop is a vital training ground that depends on customers to provide students with ongoing real-world practice and feedback.
“This is not just for Grand Island Public Schools — it’s for everyone to support and enjoy while helping students develop skills they will use for life,” Watts said.
Workforce Prep Academy: Pioneering Career Education
The Workforce Prep Academy is uniquely tailored for students who thrive outside traditional classrooms, focusing on career exploration and practical work experience. Through partnerships like that with Big Apple Bagels, it continues to innovate how education intersects with employment skills training for youth with different abilities.
As job markets evolve nationwide, programs like Islander Express highlight how localized efforts can prepare students for success immediately after graduation. Delaware and other states can look to this model as a blueprint for empowering young workers in diverse communities.
For more information on Islander Express and the Workforce Prep Academy, visit the Grand Island Public Schools’ website and see how you can support this developing program.
