North Elementary's Equal Grounds Coffee Wins Regional Recognition

Congratulations to North Elementary School! Their student-run coffee initiative, Equal Grounds Coffee, has been named Regional Hope for the Future School-Business Partnership of the Year Award sponsored by Education Alliance in partnership with Hope Gas.

This innovative Coffee Cart program, operated by students in Miss Pennington's class, has earned high praise for fostering real-world skills and meaningful collaboration. With this regional honor, Equal Grounds Coffee is now in the running for the statewide award.

The Hope for the Future: School-Business Partnership of the Year Award is a contest that recognizes exemplary collaborations between schools and businesses across West Virginia.

At Equal Grounds Coffee Cart, the Coffee Cart business is more than just a morning pick-me-up—it's a hands-on learning experience where students of all abilities work together to run a small business. From taking orders to managing budgets and tracking profit margins, the program empowers each student with the tools, teamwork, and supportive environment needed to reach their fullest potential. By fostering collaboration and responsibility, North Elementary has created a space where every student feels valued and encouraged to thrive.