Upper School students in Morgan Park Academy’s Business Professionals of America (BPA) chapter are learning what it truly means to turn ideas into impact. On Jan. 9, they proudly opened the BPA Coffee Corner, the school’s first-ever coffee shop — open to the MPA community and designed, developed, and operated entirely by students.

The project began as an entrepreneurial challenge within BPA, in which students were tasked with creating a viable, real-world business. From the ground up, students developed a comprehensive business plan, conducted market research, selected products, and created a pricing model that balanced quality, accessibility, and sustainability. They also considered branding, operations, and customer experience, bringing classroom learning to life in a tangible way.

Beyond the confirmation of a successful opening day, the coffee shop represents a deeper educational experience. Students applied financial literacy, collaboration, problem-solving, and communication skills while navigating real constraints and decision-making. The project also emphasized professionalism and leadership, core pillars of BPA, as students worked together to move from concept to execution.

“The Coffee Corner is a perfect example of what learning looks like when curriculum meets the real world,” said Associate Head of School Laura Ferrell, Ed.D.

“Our students are applying academic skills like budgeting, communication, and problem-solving in an authentic setting while learning what it means to run a business. This is entrepreneurship in action and it’s powerful because students can see the immediate impact of their work.”

SEE MORE PHOTOS  >>  COFFEE CORNER GRAND OPENING

Currently open to Morgan Park Academy students, teachers, and parents at the beginning and end of the school day, the BPA Coffee Corner is nestled in a cozy space on the ground floor of Hansen Hall, next to the Thrall Family Makerspace. In addition to drip coffee, lattes, and capuccinos, the cafe offers tea, hot chocolate, seasonal drinks, and a variety of snacks.

While all of the 22 students in BPA have contributed to the project in various ways, the Coffee Corner is led by:

  • senior Ava Malzone, Co-President
  • senior Varun Paluri, Co-President
  • senior Kristal Green, Vice President
  • senior Danielle Adams, Secretary
  • junior Bree English, Treasurer
  • senior Eden Redmond, Member
  • junior Caitlin Reiter, Member
  • senior Heaven Jenkins, Member

“Opening our own coffee shop has been really inspirational,” Kristal said. “Envisioning, planning, and then building this project has expanded my skills in leadership and teamwork. I am so proud of the work my chapter has accomplished.”

“Seeing the BPA Coffee Corner come to life after all of our hard work was a very rewarding and inspiring journey,” Ava said. “As an aspiring finance major, managing the BPA Coffee Corner’s finances and collaborating with my peers in a business setting has allowed me to expand the skills needed for success in my college career.”

Faculty advisors for BPA are Upper School teacher Meg Carey and Director of Community Relations Tina Isom.

“It has been wonderful to see our students turn an idea into a thriving reality,” Carey said. “Their creativity, teamwork, and professionalism show what happens when students take ownership of their learning and serve their community with pride.”

Proceeds will benefit the BPA program and Morgan Park Academy’s library, ensuring that the impact of this student-led venture extends beyond the counter and back into the broader school community.

This milestone reflects Morgan Park Academy’s commitment to experiential learning — empowering students to think critically, lead with purpose, and engage meaningfully with the world around them.

The BPA Coffee Corner is more than a place to grab a cup of coffee; it’s a living example of how MPA students are working today to succeed tomorrow.

For more information or to support the BPA Coffee Corner, please email Tina Isom, our Director of Community Relations.