Blak Koffee, a popular coffee shop in the Russell neighborhood, partnered with students from two JCPS high schools in hopes of bringing new innovative ideas to enhance its appeal to younger customers.”Our students can be those next great marketers, great entrepreneurs,” said Reginald McDaniel, a business management and entrepreneurship teacher at the Academy of Shawnee.Unlike typical school projects, this initiative involves students acting as business consultants. “I’m all about real-world problem-solving problems. Like, I am not about just doing something technical,” McDaniel said.The students are not only helping Blak Koffee but also well-known establishments like the Belle of Louisville develop new marketing strategies.”Our students presented to the Belle of Louisville and what we have seen in the light just in the last month. Belle of Louisville has amassed over 5,000 or 6,000 followers as of today, since the campaign,” McDaniel said.Nine teams from Shawnee and Central High School showcased their ideas to a panel of judges and the owner of Blak Koffee.”They have a voice, and they are, you know, they’ve done their research, and the contributions that they’re making are just. I’m really pleased,” said Ronayle Smith, owner of Blak Koffee. Smith plans to implement some of the students’ suggestions, such as mobile ordering and extended hours, allowing students to enjoy the shop after school.”These kids stood up there and had confidence, and they knew what they were talking about,” Smith said. The Academy of Shawnee continues to seek more small businesses for collaboration, aiming to provide students with opportunities to make contributions to their community while gaining valuable real-world experience.

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