Where big cookies meet big dreams.
The Tablespoons Bakery Internship Program
At Tablespoons Bakery, we empower young adults with developmental disabilities to achieve their employment goals through authentic training experiences in the culinary arts and entrepreneurship.
School Year 2024-2025 Sessions
Spring Session: Starting April 8th (By invite only)
Interns will participate in hands-on job training and our innovative onsite educational model, all at Tablespoons Bakery while serving customers from the community. This offering is provided free of charge thanks to our community partners! Internships will take place at Tablespoons Bakery.
Before applying, see if you qualify for this internship offering:
Applicants should be between the ages of 18-22, enrolled in high school, and be receiving IEP services.
Applicants should not have significant behavioral or medical support needs. We cannot provide 1:1 supports.
Applicants should be interested in working in a community setting in the future.
Learn from certified educators and culinary pros.
Our internship program is a Department of Education-approved model delivered by certified special educators and vocational coaches, with input from professional chefs and bakers. Through daily instruction and hands-on job training, our students make major gains from consistently implemented evidence-based practices and individualized supports.
Gain valuable skills.
From inventory and ordering supplies, to baking, selling, and catering fulfillment, our students are involved in every step of the bakery business. Along the way they learn many critical work and independent living skills—like financial literacy, teamwork, customer service, kitchen safety, and measurements.
Interact with the community.
Whether it’s serving customers from our cookie camper, or selling cookies at the market and special events, our students get a chance to build their confidence by engaging with people in our community.
Make friends and have fun!
Our students get the opportunity to develop friendships with other students in an environment that celebrates all abilities. It doesn’t get much better than baking with your besties.
Our Internship Stories
Hear what our Tablespoons students and families have to say!
“I have learned to make recipes for cookies. We measure ingredients. You do this carefully. We are a team. I am happy there. The best part is my friends. We are all a family, the very best family.”
— Patrick
“I used to be afraid of people and I think they used to be afraid of me. Now that I have had the chance to gain confidence, practice my skills, and had the opportunity to show that I am capable, I treat people more openly. Others see me differently and therefore, treat me differently.”
— Cheyenne
“My favorite part about Tablespoons Baking is learning about the different measurements and tools for baking and learning how to use a commercial oven. Also, I like to play some Disney songs while we wait for the cookies to be done. I think that is really my favorite part of Tablespoons Baking.”
— Kemani
“The Next Move Program and Tablespoons Bakery are wonderful programs. The kids love Elizabeth as much as she loves them. The respect and admiration, the smiles—there’s almost no words to describe it all. It’s just a wonderful program and many would gain from it.”
— Elisabeth, Christopher’s mom
“I think that people need to see that we are helping people with disabilities. It helps people without disabilities to see that we can do a lot.”
— Haley
“As Cheyenne takes this journey, you can see her confidence and personality grow. She is having confidence in herself, as well as others. As parents and teachers, we can lecture, but it is often experience that has the biggest impact. Having a bakery gives Cheyenne a place to work and belong.”
— Bernadette, Cheyenne’s mom
Know a young adult who should join our sprinkle-loving baking crew?
We’d love to be introduced!