From the outside, it looks like a regular coffee shop and that’s what the owners want.
But once you look a little deeper, you’ll see there’s nothing regular about this business.
It’s a non-profit dedicated to helping the youth in Denver’s Northeast neighborhood.
It’s called Prodigy Coffee.
“This is much more than learning how to come to work and clock in on time," Stephanie Frances, Founder and Exec. Director of Prodigy Ventures said. "This is a whole platform for catapulting them into something they’re passionate about."
The goal is to help young adults learn in alternative ways, so they decided to create a space where they can help that creativity and talent flourish.
They have eight apprentices right now, all with different backgrounds from those that have had run-ins with the law to those that struggle with the traditional learning structure.
20-year-old Sha’ron Wilson started here 6 months ago and relishes every day.
“It’s been life changing. I learned so many new things, I’ve met so many great people. I learned so much about coffee. I love working here,” says Wilson.
Meeting people and making connections is part of it because the apprenticeship is short term and when they come into Prodigy they have to have a goal in mind.
“I am doing my schooling online for my CPO, Certified Protection Officer, so my ultimate goal is to be an FBI sniper,” says Wilson.
This craft coffee house is cultivating greatness and that is inherent within the youth but they say that’s not the reason to give Prodigy a try.
“We don’t want you to come here because you’re feeling charitable. We want you to come here because we have incredible coffee," Frances said. "We want to show you that young people can produce at this high level can you an amazing cup of coffee."
Prodigy will be training new apprentices in January. They like to hire youth in Denver’s Northeast neighborhood.
And it’s not your typical hiring process. There’s no resume, application or interviews.
To learn more about Prodigy: http://www.prodigyventures.org/
