Students at Blanche Ely High School will soon trade in some of their classroom work for aprons, spatulas and hands-on experience running a food truck.
The school unveiled SoFlo Delights, a fully equipped food truck donated by Intuit. School officials say Blanche Ely is the first school in Florida and the 12th in the nation to receive a food truck through the program.
The more than $200,000 truck will give students an opportunity to learn culinary arts, entrepreneurship and the financial skills needed to operate a business.
“It’s an amazing opportunity for our students to learn about entrepreneurship, culinary arts skills, all the soft skills needed to run your own business,” said Dr. Howard Hepburn, Broward County Public Schools superintendent.
Intuit received multiple applications from schools across the country before selecting Blanche Ely based on its goals it has established for its students.
The company said it wants to help students become financially literate, capable and career-ready by 2030.
Students will play a central role in operating SoFlo Delights, from developing the menu to helping run the business.
The food truck will serve meals at Blanche Ely basketball and football games, as well as at events in the Pompano Beach community.
Revenue generated by the truck will be reinvested into the program, allowing it to grow and create additional opportunities for students.
Chef Rory Brown, culinary arts teacher at Blanche Ely, said he sees the food truck as an opportunity for students to gain experience they can carry with them after high school.
“It’s really a blessing,” Brown said. “Once they leave high school and they’re able to go out into the real world and have an impact, I think that’s great.”
The students will also have access to Intuit’s financial literacy curriculum through the partnership, including programs such as TurboTax, QuickBooks and Credit Karma.
