When the morning bell rings at Binghamton High School, students and faculty make a quick stop to get some fuel to start their day. Emphasis on “quick.” By the time the next bell rings to start first period, the majority of the twenty- to thirty-some patrons that just stopped in are already off to class. Some with coffee (hot or iced), some with bagels; even beef patties are on the menu at 8:00 a.m. This is the scene each morning at the PALace Cafe, run entirely by students from the BHS Preparation for Adult Living Success (PALS), a program offered by the Binghamton City School District.
“We’re teaching our students life skills and preparing them for employment,” said PALS teacher Danielle Guccia. “This is an excellent way to teach entry-level skills and responsibilities.”
If you need an iced coffee, Elijah Struble is the person you want to talk to. He and one other classmate prepare those beverages: get the cup ready, fill it with ice, pour the coffee, and top it with whipped cream and a chocolate or caramel drizzle if you’d like. Elijah has worked just about every job in the PALace Cafe since he started at Binghamton High School and has gotten a lot more comfortable since he started.
“When I was a sophomore it was a lot tougher, but now I can handle it,” Struble said. “I just like being with the crew and connecting with all the people,” he added.
The cafe is open during first and second periods. After their shift at the PALace, many of the older students go into the community for vocational training. Students volunteer at a variety of businesses - auto detailing, animal shelter, retail stores to name a few - and work with a job coach who help teach the skills they’ll need when they enter the workforce full-time.
“The community opens their doors to let our students gain valuable experience,” said PALS teacher Danielle Mahakian. “The bosses treat them with respect and train them as they would any other employee. Our students love the experience and learn hands-on training and skills that can not be taught in the classroom.”
Through their work at the cafe, and out in the community, students are also learning a lot of non-tangible skills they’ll need in the “real world.” Showing up on-time, following a schedule, working as a team, completing assigned tasks, and understanding workplace expectations are all a huge part of the experience.
“Students are building confidence and self-esteem and they begin to see themselves as capable workers and contributing members of the community,” Guccia said. “They gain independence and self-advocacy skills and begin to understand their strengths, preferences, and areas for growth - all of which help them make informed decisions about their future goals.”
The PALS program is always seeking new businesses to collaborate with. If you’re interested, contact “The Danielles,” gucciad@binghamtonschools.org or mahakiand@binghamtonschools.org.