Cookie Cart seeks $500,000 to expand bakery-based youth earn‑and‑learn program

Senator Champion presented Senate File 4336, a request for $500,000 in fiscal year 2027 to expand Cookie Cart’s earn‑and‑learn workforce training for 14–18‑year‑olds through a nonprofit bakery model that provides life leadership and on‑the‑job experience.

Jacqueline Carpenter, executive director of Cookie Cart, told the committee the program is 38 years old and serves the metro region with wraparound services, financial literacy, and a foundations‑for‑career‑readiness course that includes 90 days of paid employment. Carpenter said the program’s rolling 12‑month wait list totals about 750 young people and that the requested funding could employ 192 youth currently on the list.

Former participants Jaden Fries and Stefan Rendell described how the program helped rebuild lives after trauma, provided job skills and led to paid ambassador roles supporting the next generation of youth. Committee members praised the program and the bill was laid over for possible inclusion so budget staff can review demand, capacity and appropriation timing.