Youth Restaurant Training Program
Old Skool Cafe is a one-of-a-kind youth-run supper club. We train and employ at-risk youth, ages 16-22, to run all aspects of the business. Learning to be hosts, servers, chefs and entertainers, we offer youth a solution for addressing their basic needs and break the cycle of poverty and incarceration. We provide a supportive environment to help youth maintain employment and be successful in all aspects of their lives.
Three major phases for youth working at Old Skool Cafe.
101 Restaurant &
Life Skills Training
A 200-hour, 12-week paid program that trains youth on all aspects of kitchen and dining room work from adult mentors. They are employed by Old Skool Cafe and paid above minimum wage earnings. Once a week, they meet with a Success Coach to develop individual goals and connect to wrap-around services. They also attend weekly Life Skills workshops to gain life and employability skills.
Building upon the 101 basic training, graduates may continue on to deepen their skills to become proficient in at least four different restaurant positions. This levels empowers youth to refine their techniques, learn leadership skills, and continue receiving case management support and wrap-around services for up to two years. As they progress, they receive formal reviews, pay increases, continue to strengthen life skills, and pursue their personal/professional goals with the mentorship of our entire team.
2. Apprentice-Employees
In the third phase of the employment program youth build leadership and management skills. Apprentice-Employees can become eligible to begin externships with one of our partner restaurants (Bon Appetit, Chase Center, Michael Mina & others) to broaden their work experience and network with potential employers. A supportive bridge between Old Skool Cafe and independent employment, the Externship builds youth’s self-assurance and increases their employment prospects.
3. Leadership & Externships
Want to know more?
Old Skool Cafe offers online information sessions and an opportunity to enroll in our program.
To attend or receive more information, please fill out the form below.
Currently accepting applications. If you'd like to apply to our program, please click the button below.
Partner with Old Skool Cafe
It truly takes a village to help our youth move from merely surviving to thriving with a second chance at life. Partnership and collaboration with local companies, nonprofit organizations and restaurant industry partners are crucial for the success of our youth.
Funders & Sponsors
While we are still growing our sustainable revenue base, we rely on our foundation, corporate and private donor partners and sponsors. Some of our funding partners include the San Francisco Foundation, Bothin Foundation and DCYF.
Restaurants
With a thriving and vibrant restaurant scene in San Francisco, our youth are exposed to the finest dining experience. Externships, field trips and dining experiences are just some of the ways we partner.
Nonprofit Organizations
We actively partner with other nonprofit organizations to share resources and help youth in San Francisco find the support and path that best fits for them. Our citywide partners include City of Dreams, Young Community Developers, New Door Ventures and MYEEP to name just a few.
A HUGE thank you to all of our partners, collaborators and volunteers.
