(Radio Iowa) – The Oskaloosa School District plans to open what it’s calling the Oskaloosa Spirit Cafe on the downtown square this summer in an effort to foster entrepreneurship and empower students with special needs. Sarah Deronde, a special education teacher at the high school, says the ultimate goal is to provide opportunities for all students to thrive and offer a meaningful contribution to society.

Employment will be open to all students as well as to adults in the community with special needs who want to learn skills, from basic jobs all the way up to management. Deronde hopes to get culinary arts students involved in the cafe as well. The walls of the cafe will be a showcase for student art, and there will also be a “service wall” where students and others can advertise their talents, from making t-shirts to mowing lawns.

Oskaloosa Spirit Cafe under construction (OCSD photo)