Charlotte Students Launching Food Truck Business

A collective of students from Charlotte is embarking on a venture to establish a food truck as part of a career development program facilitated by the nonprofit organization, Exposure Project.

Empowering Youth in Low-Income Areas

In numerous underprivileged neighborhoods, many teenagers find it challenging to visualize a clear career trajectory. Exposure Project aims to address this concern by showcasing various opportunities and equipping students with the necessary tools for a prosperous future.

Collaboration and Creativity

At the north Charlotte facility of Exposure Project, the atmosphere is filled with teamwork and innovative brainstorming. The participants are not just learning about potential careers; they are collaboratively engaged in creating a business.

Ambitions of Young Entrepreneurs

Makayla Sinclair, a student from Myers Park High School, is among the 16 young individuals participating in this latest venture to develop a food truck. Sinclair experiences a mix of excitement and anxiety about the project.

Introducing ‘The Slide’

The food truck, tentatively named ‘The Slide,’ is currently in the design and planning stages. The nonprofit has secured funding to convert a school bus into a fully functional food truck.

Guidance from Mentors

The students are collaborating closely with experts in culinary arts and business to bring their aspirations to fruition. Sinclair mentioned that the menu is set to feature an array of slider options, including Philly cheesesteaks and chicken-and-waffle sliders.

Hands-On Learning Experiences

The food truck initiative is just one of the many hands-on projects offered by Exposure Project, which operates in two of Charlotte’s “Corridors of Opportunity,” areas that have been identified as needing additional resources and avenues for growth.

Building Future Workforce

Leanna Calvin, the organization’s founder and executive director, emphasized the importance of each student’s unique contributions to the project. She envisions transforming the food truck into a workforce development program for future participants interested in similar endeavors.

Inspiration and Future Goals

Beyond delivering practical career experience, the program also emphasizes personal growth and social-emotional learning. Calvin wants young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to recognize the diverse career paths available to them, stating, “It’s all about exposure.” For Sinclair, the journey is motivational, reinforcing the belief that, “You can do anything when you put your mind to it.” The Exposure Project anticipates launching The Slide food truck in the summer of 2025.