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This six-week summer program allows youth to explore careers in the culinary hospitality field, an evolving industry that offers diverse job opportunities by providing a meaningful pathway for gaining real-world experience while building independence, personal growth, and a sustainable future.
Discovery is essential for identity and career development, especially for individuals with unique needs. This summer program is intentionally designed for youth who may need additional time to process, have an IEP/504 plan, may feel anxious about their future, or who want to strengthen their social skills.
2026 Summer Recap
This summer, The Connect Café launched the pilot of its Pathways Summer Program. The six-week workforce development experience helped youth with unique needs explore career interests, build practical skills, strengthen communication, and grow in confidence. Five participants took part, and their experiences, feedback, and progress will shape how Pathways grows from here.
We partnered with Dolly Delights, a small local sweet treat shop. Its owner spent six hours of each 10-hour week teaching participants to bake. Youth practiced techniques, followed recipes, worked as a team, solved problems, and found their own creative style. Their skills and confidence grew each week, and by week six they were baking independently.
Parent Review
"I can’t say enough Wonderful things about me and my son's experience at Pathway Summer Camp. They genuinely was there for every camper guiding them and building their confidence up. I can’t thank each and everyone one of them enough. Can't wait 'till next Summer! I one hundred percent appreciated the program. He definitely enjoyed it. He still goes to them and still cooks. Definitely a beautiful blessing and experience. Thank you!"
Exploring Careers in Hospitality
Hues of Hospitality, a nonprofit that connects people with opportunities and resources in the hospitality field, led three sessions for participants. These sessions covered the industry, possible career paths, workplace expectations, and ways to grow in the field. Participants also toured the AC Hotel and talked with its General Manager. They asked questions and heard firsthand how people build careers in hospitality.
Customer Service Days
Customer Service Days quickly became the highlight of the program. Participants worked in the shop serving real customers, each in a role matched to their interests and abilities. They loved putting their skills to work in a real setting. With every Customer Service Day, we saw clear growth in their confidence, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
What participants gained
Career Exploration
Exposure to a high-demand career field and its opportunities for employment and advancement.
Skill Development
Hands-on baking skills, creativity, problem-solving, and the ability to follow processes and instructions.
Communication & Teamwork
Stronger communication through teamwork, customer interactions, and group activities.
Self-Awareness
Greater self-awareness of their personal strengths, interests, needs, and areas for growth.
Confidence
Confidence in their ability to learn new skills, interact with others, and take part in workplace environments
Future Connections
Connections to future opportunities through employers, hospitality professionals, and career information.
Parent Review
"Watching my 15-year-old daughter participate in this summer program was such a wonderful experience. As someone who struggles with anxiety, I was so proud to see her step outside her comfort zone, learn new skills, and genuinely enjoy herself."
Celebrating Their Success
The program ended with a community showcase. Each participant created an original sweet treat to show off their baking skills and creativity. Every participant also left with a career and skills portfolio that included a resume, employment leads, and recipes to keep practicing at home.
What's Next
We're still analyzing participant assessments, observations, and feedback, and we'll share a full report when it's complete. What we learned in this pilot will help us strengthen and expand Pathways for future participants.
Program Benefits
Earn weekly stipends.
Earn a weekly stipend while you learn, grow, and gain real-world experience.
Learn practical skills.
Build hands-on experience in customer service, baking preparation, and teamwork that translates directly into the workplace.
Develop work readiness.
Develop confidence and professionalism in a supportive, engaging environment designed to prepare you for future jobs.
Strengthen social skills.
Strengthen communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills essential for success in any setting.
Gain resume and interview techniques.
Learn how to create a strong resume and confidently navigate interviews to stand out to employers.
Participant Review
"My experience with the camp was great. It taught me to cooperate with others, being less scared and hesitant. It was a great program. I think more people should know about it and have their kids sign up. It changed me in a positive way."
Building Pathways to the Future
In just six weeks, five young people showed what is possible when they are given real opportunities, hands-on learning, and a community that believes in them. They baked on their own, served real customers, met industry leaders, and left with portfolios and a clearer picture of their futures. This pilot is only the beginning. With your support, Pathways can reach more youth and open more doors into meaningful work.
Help us grow Pathways
Participant Review
"The summer camp was one of the best experiences of my life. I'd never felt this kind of support before. I discovered something new about myself and about career fields I hadn't thought about yet, and I appreciated how everyone listened without being judgmental. Everyone there had their own personality it was fun talking to them and hearing everyone's opinions and ideas the conversation was the recharge I needed."
Help Your Child Discover What They Can Do
Pathways gives youth with unique needs a supportive place to explore careers, build real skills, and grow in confidence. Interested in Pathways for your child? Space is limited so that every participant gets individual support. Join our interest list to be the first to hear when registration opens for next summer's program or contact us with any questions about whether Pathways is a good fit for your child.