It’s been almost three years since HATCH co-founders Garret Coyne and Beth Boyer first talked about the idea for a hospitality workforce program that would empower its participants to lead self-sufficient lives.

Their vision of HATCH is now a reality. Students from the program’s first and second cohort have seen their lives dramatically change after participating in the eight week curriculum and being compensated to do so. Every student from the first cohort of HATCH is still employed with their initial job placements and the second cohort is set to graduate on December 17th.

image3 1 1 Kierra Burks graduated from HATCH’s first cohort in October. She had a passion for making food and was able to complete her externship at the HATCH Café which opened with the brand new South Huntsville Public Library as a service for guests at the library and a way to raise funds for the program.

The 20 year old is still employed at the café today while also attending school to be an RN like her mother before her. Burks said she would definitely recommend the program to anyone who qualifies.

“Before I joined, I wasn’t sure if I would like it but I really did enjoy it in the end,” she said. “It teaches you a lot over the course of the program while also making friends and making connections. It taught me a lot of things I use at my job now from general hospitality and customer service to different ways to prepare food and more.”

The program has over 40 different employment partners for externships and job placements including the restaurant Drakes and manger April Mount. Mount hired HATCH graduate James Moore and remarked on his transformation throughout his time there and also the program as a whole.

“James has come very far since day one. His time at HATCH helped him with things like attitude, demeanor, how to handle stress at work and how to interact with both guests and fellow employees,” she said.

“Getting involved with the program is a great idea especially if you’re not exactly sure where you want to go in life,” she elaborated. “It lets you reach out to people who can genuinely help you start a path in the hospitality industry and get your foot in the door. It really is a great program they have.”

Some of the employment partners working with the second cohort include The Camp, Rhythym on Monroe, Darkside Coffee and Sam & Greg Pizzeria.

Audrey Smith has overseen both cohorts in her time as Program Director for HATCH. Her background as a counselor has helped the program emphasize mental health and various life skills in addition to job training. “A lot of our kids have experienced trauma and they have a very limited support system so we try to address that while they are here,” she explained. “We brought on a therapist, Dr. John Ruffin, for the second cohort. He does group sessions three times a week and individuals throughout the week.”

“In addition to that, I bring in a lot of guest speakers from the community,” she continued. “For each cohort we have had speakers talk about topics from substance abuse awareness and sexual assault prevention to leadership styles and responsible home ownership.”

Applications are still open for the third cohort of HATCH graduates at the time of writing. Applicants who fall within the 18-24 year old age group can apply at hatchhsv.com. Those chosen will begin their eight week curriculum on January 11th and be paid $1,250 over the course of the program.