Michelle Johnson, a 17-year-old Juanita High School student, is one of many teenagers spending their weekday afternoons learning how to make espresso drinks and acquire job skills, she is a part of a youth training program hosted by the YMCA Kirkland Teen Union Building (KTUB).

“It would be a dream of mine to have my own café because I really like to cook and bake,” Johnson said. “I feel like this is something I could do for the rest of my life and I would enjoy it very much.”

At the teen-run café, young people ages 13-18 learn how to be successful baristas as well as how to build a resume, conduct effective interviews and attain a food handler’s card.

Established in 2001, the YMCA KTUB teen center does not turn any teens away and gives each an equal opportunity to participate in the five-week café program for $75, with a financial aide option. Samantha Field, the café staff lead, said she has received positive feedback from the teens and continually encourages them to achieve their business goals.

“I’d say all the teens that are here under the age of 16 are getting their volunteer hours in and are really excited to have the opportunity to have these job skills before they have the opportunity to get work,” Field said. “I’m trying to get them all the skills they would need in any job. I asked them on the first day of class what their dream job was and kind of plan out how to help them get there.”

Open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 1 to 5 p.m., the café already has returning customers. The café is located in the heart of Peter Kirk Park, with live music and a scenic atmosphere.

“I guess our main selling point is that all the proceeds go toward keeping the café open and also to whichever teen is volunteering that day,” Field said.

The teens are able to create any coffee drink you would see at your local roaster. Drinks range from $1 to $3, depending on the beverage.

Emily Smith, YMCA KTUB facility director, collaborates with local café owners like Starbucks, St. James Espresso and Rococo to set up mock interviews so teens gain real-life experience.

“We have great partnerships with the local cafes and they are really supportive of coming in and conducting interviews and coaching these guys,” Smith said. “We’ve had people from Microsoft who are really from the business community that come in and educate our youth about what they look for in entry-level employees.”

Ian Forough, a 16-year-old student at Juanita High School, plans to work in the auto engineering and mechanics field but has found the café a valuable experience.

“I think this can help provide understanding for the ins and outs of jobs and working the jobs in general, whether it’s blue collar, white collar or food service,” Forough said.

For more information on YMCA KTUB, visit www.ktub.org or their Facebook page for updates on their latest technology work development program that involves everything from social media to video design and photography. It also has a thriving music program that allows teens to develop professional skills as professional musicians.

Katherine Loh is a Unveristy of Washington News Lab student.

Teens stand in front of the Teen Cafe’s walk-up window. The cafe is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 1-5 p.m. RAECHEL DAWSON/ KIRKLAND REPORTER