Youth Mentoring Youth: Barista Training with Starbucks
Michael (left) and Zachary (right) pose together for a work selfie
High school senior Michael Buck gained a new perspective on the power of opportunity by training Enterprise intern Zachary Thornton while working at Starbucks. Michael and Zachary began working at Starbucks as part of Enterprise for Youth’s Direct-to-Hire program.
Michael Buck is a 17 year old senior at Archbishop Riordan High School in San Francisco. He joined Enterprise for Youth in 2019 when he participated in Job Readiness Training, an extensive program that teaches youth resume building skills, how to network, rights in the workplace, and many other essential skills. “Enterprise has had a great impact on training me on professional skills and has opened me up to many opportunities in any career path I have expressed interest to learn about,” Michael told us.
“Enterprise has had a great impact on training me on professional skills, and has opened me up to many opportunities in any career paths I have expressed an interest to learn about.”
In winter of 2021, after Michael’s first Enterprise for Youth internship with Code Nation, he joined the barista training program offered by Enterprise, which includes workshops led by Starbucks partners (employees) and an opportunity to interview with and work at Starbucks. Michael was nervous about working in a fast paced environment, especially during the holiday rush. However, after completing training, he quickly found a place within the team. “During my time working at Starbucks, it felt as if I was truly included as part of the Barista team, and was greatly acknowledged for all of the help I was able to bring during the busiest store times of the year.” Now, along with working as a Barista, Michael helps to train new hires. Recently, Michael was assigned to train fellow Enterprise youth, Zachary.
Zachary Thornton, currently a senior at Balboa High, joined Enterprise in the summer of 2022, when he did our Career Exploration Internship. “I got to hear about a lot of different jobs from people who spent their lives in those careers,” Zachary said. Following his internship, Zachary joined Youth Council, a year long program in which youth develop their leadership skills by assisting with Enterprise’s programming and events. Concurrent to Youth Council, Zachary signed up for Enterprise’s Direct-to-Hire program with Starbucks, where he was assigned to be trained by Michael.
Zachary was also nervous at first, but he found comfort in the similarities between him and Michael. “It can feel a little intimidating getting something wrong in a work environment but it’s lessened when I’m being taught by someone so much like me. I know that if Mikey could learn all the intricacies of our job then I can too.” Zachary and Michael bonded quickly, and Zachary says that having that bond has made asking for help much easier. “If I’m not sure about something, Mikey’s there to guide me in the right direction, whether it’s making drinks or brewing coffee. Early on, I didn’t know how to request time off and needed someone to take a shift for me every once in a while, and Mikey was always ready to help me out.”
“If I’m not sure about something Mikey’s there to guide me in the right direction, whether it’s making drinks or brewing coffee.”
Zachary recording a video to thank donors during his time in Youth Council
Michael feels this bond as well. Zachary was hired alongside two other youth, but his enthusiasm for the job made him stand out. “I instantly noticed that he was the most energetic and spirited out of anybody in the store, and I was always motivated to share my knowledge with someone so eager to learn everyday.” While he’s had experience tutoring and coaching young children, this is Michael’s first time training someone his own age. It’s a radically different experience, but a fun one, as he’s enjoyed being able to connect with his trainee on the same level.
Training a fellow Enterprise youth has changed Michael’s perspective on the program as well. “Mentoring another youth from the same program that I came from really showed me the purpose of the support Enterprise provides for its youth. This experience has changed my perspective on how many young lives can be impacted by the many opportunities Enterprise provides for youth in San Francisco,” he told us.
Michael continues to work as a barista and trainer at Starbucks, with his sights set on becoming supervisor after graduation. Michael is grateful for the experience and opportunities Enterprise has provided him and plans to keep his eye on Enterprise’s Job Bank for job opportunities. Zachary is working as a Starbucks barista and continues to be a bright, motivating presence in the store.
“This experience has changed my perspective on how many young lives can be impacted by the many opportunities Enterprise provides for youth in San Francisco.”
We are grateful to count on Starbucks as a direct-to-hire partner since 2021. Through this program, we train youth in customer service skills to become baristas which can lead to longer-term employment. Thanks to Starbucks partners (employees) who have championed our work, we are grateful to have been nominated and selected as a recipient of a Neighborhood Grant from The Starbucks Foundation. These grants are intended to help build sustained local impact and inspire increased Starbucks partner (employee) engagement with nonprofit organizations. Partners like Starbucks can help our communities grow stronger.
Enterprise for Youth would like to offer a special shout-out to our Starbucks partners (employees), Shawn Ray for offering guidance and leadership to Zachary and Michael, as well as Kate Markel without whom this program would not exist.
While every youth will take a different path, Enterprise hopes that our programs will give them the chance to find what they love, and the skills they need to do it. To learn more about the youth journey with Enterprise, and how to begin, you can look at our Youth Journey document.
Thank you to Michael and Zachary for taking the time to speak with us. Interview responses were edited for clarity.
By Francis Orkin, Enterprise for Youth departmental intern, 2022-2023
