Arc Broward celebrated the grand re-opening of Tasty Treats, a student-led microenterprise created by Arc Broward’s high school diploma deferment program, the School of Hire Education, to empower individuals with disabilities through valuable work-based learning opportunities. The re-opening event celebrates the history of Tasty Treats and introduces its upgraded operations, made possible by a generous grant from the Hambrick Foundation.
“We’re thrilled to re-launch Tasty Treats as a fully-equipped and enriched microenterprise,” said Jennifer Saint Louis, vice president of workforce services at Arc Broward. “This project reflects our commitment to providing innovative pathways for our students to develop critical life and work skills. The new tools and workshops will ensure that Tasty Treats continues to be a launching pad for personal and professional growth.”
The upgraded Tasty Treats cart will now serve as an enhanced work-based learning experience, operating Monday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Arc Broward’s Sunrise campus. Students will operate the cart alongside School of Hire team members, gaining hands-on experience in customer interaction and business operations.
Launched in 2019, Tasty Treats began as a modest food cart used to bring snacks around Arc Broward’s campus. Over the years, it has become a cornerstone of School of Hire’s mission to provide students with disabilities meaningful opportunities to develop employability skills such as customer service, money handling, inventory management and order fulfillment. In addition, the microenterprise helps students set goals and practice prioritization, with proceeds directed toward fulfilling personal aspirations identified with the guidance of School of Hire team members.
Thanks to the Hambrick Foundation’s support, Tasty Treats has transformed into a vibrant, branded cart outfitted with new tools and resources that enhance its operations and impact. The funding allowed for the purchase of essential equipment such as a cash box, branded aprons, serving trays and organizational items like mini clipboards and inventory racks. To expand the offerings, the grant also funded start-up inventory, a fruit dehydrator, coffee-making supplies and decorative displays.
The investment extends beyond equipment, providing opportunities for entrepreneurship education. Students were invited to participate in two workshops hosted by Broward College’s Entrepreneurial Experience department. Designed to foster a strong foundation for budding entrepreneurs, workshops focused on cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset and developing financial literacy skills.
For more information about the vital programs and services Arc Broward provides, call 954-746-9400 or visit www.arcbroward.com.