Last Thursday, Bay View High School buzzed with excitement as students, faculty, district professionals, media and community members gathered for the unveiling of 414 ATE, the region’s first-ever student-designed and student-operated food truck.
Thanks to a partnership between Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) and the global software company, Intuit, local students will be able to apply what they are learning in the classroom to a real-world business setting.
Intuit runs a free Food Truck Program, providing students across the nation with exposure to culinary arts, entrepreneurship, accounting and technology. MPS received a fully equipped truck, program curriculum and access to Intuit tools like QuickBooks and Mailchimp.
MPS is the ninth district in the nation – and the only district in Wisconsin – to take part in this exciting opportunity. The food truck will be incorporated into Bay View High School’s culinary arts program under the direction of educator Ann Marie Sims. Sims plays a pivotal role in preparing the next generation for careers in the culinary field.
“The opportunity that our students have is going to go way beyond this,” said Sims.
Looking forward, Sims hopes that more schools begin to run food trucks, expanding opportunities for local students. She also shared her vision of growing this student-run business model to include a brick-and-mortar business.
“The sky is the limit,” said Sims. “Whatever our kids can imagine, dream or want, I want to be the advocate to make sure that they get that.”
