In the Rancho Cucamonga High School courtyard on the west side of campus, the Buddy’s Brew coffee shop sells coffee and snacks for people on campus.

Not only can you buy stickers and delicious treats and beverages ranging from coffee, hot chocolate, tea, croissants, muffins, and cookies off the menu, but you can also support the RCHS functional and practical program.

Buddy’s Brew was first introduced to campus last year on Friday, Oct. 19, 2023. Instructional aide Ms. Sonia Arias first pitched the idea of running a coffee shop to help her students build their social skills and follow directions.

“We started last year, so this is our second year and it has been very successful. Every single staff member is very supportive and now we’re getting students to come and see what we do,” Arias said.

The students pick their jobs, whether it be cashiers, greeters, cleaners, or coffee brewers. By interacting with different customers and carrying out different tasks, Arias said her students gain experience and work on speaking up for themselves.

“They advocate for their spots. They’re working on saying ‘Hey I need a break.’ There are always times where we have to offer, as an adult, offer them breaks, but now they’re saying it themselves,” Arias said. “It’s very cool to see them advocating for themselves.”

The Best Buddies club also helps out at the coffee shop by working with and supporting the students.

Best Buddies president junior Jolie Jenson said, “It’s very warming place, very welcoming, and everyone likes to meet someone new. Everyone loves to help out and its just a great place to be in.” 

This year is the first year Buddy’s Brew is a new club on campus, and it serves students, teachers, and staff once a month, on Fridays from 8:30-9:30 a.m. 

The next Buddy’s Brew coffee shop will be held on Friday, Sept. 27. 

For more information on Buddy’s Brew, you can contact their Instagram account @rchsbuddiesbrew.