Located in downtown Atlanta, Café Momentum is more than a restaurant — it’s a launchpad for young people seeking a fresh start.
Under award-winning Chef Josh Lee, Café Momentum offers a paid, year-long internship for teens who have been involved with the juvenile justice system.
Interns run the restaurant and gain hands‑on experience in fine dining while developing culinary skills, leadership, and teamwork skills under Chef Lee.
“Café Momentum stands for hope, opportunity, and reform,” says Lee.
Intern Khai says the program has opened up new paths and boosted his confidence.
“It brings opportunities to young people like me to change and find a different route than what you’re doing,” Khai said. “Growing up, a lot of typical stuff happening in poverty led me to a wrong path.”
Through the program, Khai has discovered a new passion and direction.
“I’m talking more. I try to communicate with people, start conversations and I love cooking,” he added.
Beyond kitchen skills, interns receive career training, 24/7 case management, mental health services, and support designed to ease their transition into the culinary field.
With plans to recruit up to 80 teenagers annually and a grand opening set for early March, Café Momentum is set to become a beacon of opportunity in Atlanta’s thriving hospitality industry.
Café Momentum program details:
Café Momentum offers a paid, year-long internship program with structure, mentorship and career training.
- Applicants must be 15 to 19 years old and have been involved with the juvenile justice system within the last 12 months (could include probation, a summary offense, a consent decree or a court-ordered placement).
- A copy of your birth certificate or social security card and a photo ID are required to complete the application.
- It is a yearlong, four-tiered system. Interns get paid and earn raises as they climb levels. On the final stage, they receive a chef’s coat.
- Benefits include career exploration, 24/7 case management, mental health services, and support.
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