Only 44.1% of Maryland residents ages 18-64 with a cognitive disability are employed, compared to 81.2% without cognitive disabilities. Recognizing the lack of workforce development opportunities tailored to adults with learning differences, Sunflower provides skilled job training in pastry and culinary arts, production baking, barista service, and front-of-house operations. With a low student-to-instructor ratio, students receive individualized attention as they spend 26 weeks building technical and soft skills in real-world production kitchens and storefronts. After-school classes introduce teens with learning differences to bakery and hospitality work, building early skills and exposure to future careers. Staff coach graduates and match them with over 100 employer partners, ensuring 82% of students have retained employment to date. As the only program of its kind in the region, Sunflower has supported successful careers for over 650 individuals and counting.
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