Ahmad Hamed is learning on the job at Amos Alonzo Stagg High School in Palos Hills, developing work skills and having a good time.

It helps that the 17-year-old also is providing a popular product as he hones his barista technique.

“It’s fun,” Ahmad said, as he brewed cups of coffee for teachers on a recent morning. “I like making coffee.”

Hamad is one of about 50 students in the school’s ULTIMA program, which stands for Utilizing Learning Tools in Meaningful Activities. The program focuses on functional academics, daily living skills, communication and sensory experience and vocational skills for students with special needs.

It also coordinates the Charlie Chargers Coffee Cart several times weekly in shifts of about five students.

Each student learns the different facets of the coffee business, including filling out order tickets, preparing orders, delivering coffee to staff throughout the school and handling transactions at the end of each month, when customers pay up.

By all accounts, they thrive in the job, busily completing their tasks and accepting gentle nudges from teachers if there’s a misstep. They’ve already served more than 114 cups of coffee since the program began in January.

The coffee cart was the idea of the entire ULTIMA staff team, another creative venture to teach students practical life skills in a fun way. The students already operate dog treat and pet toy making businesses, where they sell products to staff members monthly and at a yearly fair. The coffee cart launched with the help of a $1,000 grant from the District 230 Foundation, and organizers are planning for it to eventually be self-sustaining. Organizers hope to add tea and iced coffee in the future.

“We felt we needed something that was more consistent for the students so that they can practice their job skills on a regular basis,” said Kristine Tarbunas, vocational coordinator for ULTIMA. “I think it just gives the students a sense of independence and confidence.

“It also gets them out in the building and engages them,” she said.

Alyssa LePretre was one of the teachers who was working with students on the coffee cart recently, sending one cart out to deliver products while stocking a second one. “We’re going to make the coffee and when the other cart gets back, we’ll keep going,” she told Ahmad.

“I like that the students are learning really great job skills and independence and working as a group,” LePretre said.

Carrie Majchrowicz, another teacher helping out with the program, was also enjoying being part of the Charlie Chargers Coffee Cart crew.

“I really like how they’re involved in all aspects of the business from beginning to end,” she said.

Luke Carroll, 14, chatted with staff members he delivered coffee to. He received an “employee of the month” award for “making good coffee for all the teachers.”

“He’s very positive and cheerful when he delivers,” Tarbunas said.

Diana Delgado, 15, working hard to make the business a success, was the employee of the month winner last month.

The coffee deliveries (each cup is only $2) brought many smiles to staff, too.

“I love it,” said Nikki Bouck, a teacher assistant. “It keeps me going.”

Janice Neumann is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.