Young Adult Program Students Gain Workplace Skills at Niles Pie Company

A community collaboration between the Fremont Unified School District's Young Adult Program and the Niles Pie Company is helping local young adults with special needs gain hands-on career experience. The program serves students up to age 22 who have completed high school under an Individualized Education Program and are working toward independent adulthood.

Now in its second year, the partnership allows students to volunteer at the Niles bakery, where they assist team members, manage inventory, and interact with customers. Students also receive small stipend payments funded through program grants, giving them practical exposure to earning an income while building essential workplace habits.

Program organizers emphasized that partnering with invested neighborhood businesses offers participants a supportive environment to practice communication, develop self-confidence, and explore future career paths in retail and food service.