Café Momentum Prepares Teens to Work in Restaurant Industry

A program that gives teenagers hands-on experience working in a restaurant is now up and running in Atlanta.

Why it matters: Café Momentum in Downtown redirects at-risk young people to a steady job and income, which can help them stay out of trouble.

How it works: The restaurant, which opened in late March, is staffed almost exclusively with kids between ages 15 and 19. 

• They prepare food, take orders, talk about the menu with customers, and perform back-of-house tasks.
• Participants are referred to the program, and if they enroll, they spend a year-long internship working at Café Momentum.
• Along with the restaurant side, the nonprofit also has space where students can get mental health support, access case management services, read books, play games, and complete their education.
• Once they finish the internship, they can either choose to stay in the food and beverage industry or get connected with people who can help them embark on other career paths.

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