North Kansas
City Schools District
Class Act Coffee
A Sip of Greatness
Class Act Coffee – where students mean business. Located in the Clemens Learning Center, this student led coffee shop supports the district in many ways. Opened in 2024, the business teaches our students about the importance of customer service, marketing, and more while giving them hands-on experience.
Program Goals
Our mission is to prepare students for success in their next steps—whether that’s college, trade school, the workforce, or launching their own business. We do this by placing them in real-world, authentic learning situations where they gain experience, confidence, and valuable career skills.
Class Act Coffee: Student Run Coffee Shop Experience
Location: Clemens Learning Center
Program Type: Half Day, Off-Campus, Grades 11-12
Class Act Coffee is a one-of-a-kind learning experience for juniors and seniors in NKC Schools. Housed in the Clemens Learning Center, this fully student-run, public-facing coffee shop provides an authentic environment for students to explore entrepreneurship, business operations, and leadership.
Students rotate through all areas of the business – including marketing, customer service, inventory, operations, and management – before focusing on a specific area of interest. Leadership roles are available, and second-year students take on increased responsibility. Very few high school students can say they’ve served as the marketing manager of a real, public-facing coffee shop at just 16 years old. This kind of hands-on experience not only builds confidence but also sets students apart on college applications, scholarship essays, and job resumes.
In addition to daily shop operations, students engage in project-based learning focused on business planning, innovation, and personal growth. They develop and pitch their own business or nonprofit ideas, compete for seed funding, and receive mentorship from local entrepreneurs. Students will partner with community businesses, giving students the opportunity to tackle real-world challenges as part of their coursework.
Students also earn their food handler's license, have the opportunity to obtain their food manager's certification, and complete an industry recognized credential — all funded by the district. These credentials add a professional edge and open doors for employment in the food and beverage industry.
Students have the option to earn three college credit hours through the University of Missouri–Kansas City (UMKC) for an additional fee (currently $300).
STUDENT BENEFITS
- Run a real business with real customers
- Gain skills in leadership, marketing, finance, communication, and teamwork
- Earn industry-recognized food handler’s and manager’s certifications (district-paid)
- Experience project-based learning with real impact
- Compete for funding and receive support from business mentors
- Earn dual credit at a reduced cost
- Build a resume and college application that stands out
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Currently entering junior or senior year
- Minimum 2.75 GPA
- 90% or higher attendance record
- No major disciplinary infractions
- Two teacher recommendations and one counselor recommendation
- Completion of a shadow day
APPLICATION PROCESS
Interested students must complete an application and participate in a shadow day to be considered. Please contact your school counselor or email Class.Act@nkcschools.org for more information.