Brewing futures, one cup at a time
Welcome to Next Step Coffee Co., where we're serving up more than just coffee. We're building confidence, community, and meaningful work skills for neurodivergent and transition-age youth.
Our student-led program blends real-world job training with trauma-informed support, professional expectations, and a welcoming environment designed to help every student grow.
Together, we're empowering the next generation—one cup, one conversation, and one student at a time.
A new approach to job training
Next Step Coffee Co. is more than just a coffee shop—it's a launchpad for possibility.
We blend high expectations with real-world job training, compassion, and structure. Students learn customer service, communication skills, workplace routines, leadership, and self-advocacy in a supportive environment tailored to neurodivergent learners.
Our approach centers the student's voice and strengths, helping young people build confidence, clarify goals, and take meaningful next steps toward independence and adulthood.
Why Next Step Coffee Co.?
What makes our program truly unique is the blend of lived understanding and professional expertise behind it.
Our program is genuinely unique because it combines professional expertise with lived understanding.
Next Step Coffee Co. was designed by an educator who understands what it feels like to move through systems where voices are often overlooked—and what it takes to build environments where students are supported before they're expected to advocate for themselves.
Our program:
- centers neurodivergent voices
- builds practical and social-emotional skills
- fosters belonging and community
- provides real work experience and leadership opportunities
- prepares students for employment, independence, and adulthood
We don't just train baristas. We create pathways, confidence, and purpose.
A student-led transition initiative founded by educator and author Jenny Allen-Price, M.Ed.
Become a supporter
Help us brew a brighter future. Your support can make a real difference in the lives of our students.
Whether you're interested in sponsoring the program, partnering with us, donating supplies, or simply learning more, we welcome your involvement.
Every student deserves a place to learn, grow, and belong—and every voice has value.
Join us in empowering young people to step into their potential and their future with confidence