Empowering Abilities, Brewing Opportunities
Grounded University: Where Learning Meets Inclusivity
At our Café, we proudly offer a training program for students of all abilities. Through hands-on experience in a real restaurant setting, students learn valuable skills—from food prep to customer service—that build confidence and prepare them for future employment. Each participant leaves with confidence and work experience along with a performance evaluation they can share with potential employers, helping open doors to meaningful opportunities in the community.
Our Mission and Vision
Program Highlights
Accessible Tools
Available hands on tools in the kitchen to make the experience safe and more accessible.
Personalized Support
Benefit from individualized guidance and mentorship, ensuring each participant receives the attention and resources they need to succeed.
Inclusive Environment
Experience a welcoming and supportive community where everyone is celebrated, and everyone is encouraged to thrive.
Hands On Job skills
Gain access to a real job site, in a kitchen, and learn hands on skills in a kitchen job setting and learn actual job skills such as chopping and dicing vegetables, customer service, baking and measuring skills, cooking skills, etc.
What Our Participants Say
“We’re currently part of the Grounded University program, and we love getting the chance to learn new things! It gets us out and doing things we normally wouldn’t do. “I enjoy doing the dishes and learning how to stock shelves” – JT and “I like chopping vegetables and being social.”- Ryu Vang.
JT and Ryu Vang
Current Grounded University Trainees
ChatGPT said:
“The skills I gained through Grounded Café have opened so many doors for me in the community. Thanks to the training I received, I’ve been able to get jobs in local nursing homes, preparing meals and making coffee through the Aspiro work program. My journey shows how powerful inclusive opportunities can be.”
Nick
Alumni
“I found a home In Grounded Café after I went through my training program. I love everyone and I love my customers!”
Lucas
Alumni & Ambassador
Mentors
We’re always looking for compassionate, patient individuals to mentor our students of all abilities. As a mentor, you’ll provide guidance, encouragement, and real-world insight that helps build confidence and job readiness. Whether you have restaurant experience or just a passion for helping others grow, your time can make a lasting impact.
One on One Coaching
Spend time with a student during their shift to model tasks, offer step-by-step guidance, and provide positive reinforcement based on their learning style and pace
Adapted Learning Tools
Use visuals, checklists, or hands-on demonstrations to support different learning needs—making instructions more accessible and easier to remember.
Build Confidence Through Encouragement
Offer consistent, strengths-based feedback that helps students recognize their unique abilities and contributions to the team.
Job Shadowing and Role Modeling
Mentors can lead by example—demonstrating professionalism, patience, and teamwork in action, giving students a clear picture of what success looks like.
Emotional Support and Trust Building
Create a safe, supportive environment where students feel valued and heard—this helps them take risks, ask questions, and grow with confidence.
Fuel Our Program
Your generosity fuels our efforts to create an inclusive learning environment at Grounded University. By donating, you help us provide essential resources and opportunities for individuals with disabilities, empowering them to achieve their full potential.