When adjustments to the school schedule made traditional work-based learning placements unavailable, two students in Mr. Silkowski’s Project Life class found an opportunity rather than a limitation. Instead of stepping away from hands-on experience, they designed and launched their own small business: the Oneida Express Café.

The student-run café has been running a weekly service for staff, offering affordable snacks, beverages, and light food items such as coffee, water, soda, breakfast bars, popcorn, chips, and candy. Orders are submitted through a weekly order form and finalized before 8th period. Students use 8th period to prepare orders and 9th period to deliver directly to staff, creating an authentic workplace routine. Most items are priced between $1–$2, with an optional $10 punch card available to encourage repeat customers.

The café is more than a convenience—it is a structured learning experience. Students manage advertising, inventory, budgeting, customer service, and deliveries while being treated as employees. They complete time sheets based on attendance, receive evaluations tied to their performance, and see those evaluations reflected in their course grades. The model intentionally mirrors real workplace expectations, helping students build confidence, communication skills, and practical math and organizational abilities.

All profits from the Oneida Express Café will be reinvested into a pizza party and celebration for the students, reinforcing teamwork and goal-setting. As a pilot initiative, the program is designed to grow and adapt based on feedback. If successful, there is strong potential to expand operations when students return to the high school. The Oneida Express Café stands as a creative example of how work-based learning can thrive—even under challenging circumstances—when students are given ownership, trust, and meaningful responsibility.