Uniting Communities Through Inclusion, One Cup at a Time

Our Mission

Operated by the dedicated students of Summit School's work-training program, Summit Café empowers neurodiverse youth by providing real-world employment opportunities. Under the guidance of Vice-Principal Josh Cunningham and job coaches Cathy Perez and Anita Kot, our students engage in every facet of daily operations:

We firmly believe that the most impactful learning happens through realistic, hands-on experiences. We are dedicated to providing our students with an environment that closely mirrors a professional workplace.

Why Our Model Works: 

​

• Authentic Skill Development: By participating in real-world tasks—such as preparing food, serving customers, and managing transactions—students acquire practical skills that traditional classroom settings can't fully replicate.

• Confidence Building: Facing real-life challenges helps students build self-assurance in their abilities, fostering independence and readiness for future employment.

• Holistic Learning: Hands-on work promotes the development of essential life skills like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability.

​​​​