The Fresh Abilities team at Clark State College.
What began during the uncertainty of a global pandemic has grown into a national model for inclusive, hands-on workforce development—right on the Clark State College campus.
Fresh Abilities, a fast and casual restaurant located inside Clark State’s main Springfield campus, is more than a place to grab lunch. It’s a powerful training ground where individuals with disabilities gain real-world experience in food service, customer engagement and workplace readiness. The program is made possible through a unique partnership between Clark State and TAC Industries, a collaboration that’s earned national recognition for its innovation and impact.
“This partnership exemplifies what community colleges do best: meeting learners where they are and preparing them for success,” said Jo Alice Blondin, Ph.D., president of Clark State College. “Fresh Abilities reflects our mission to foster inclusive access to education and employment in our region.”
Since opening in 2020, Fresh Abilities has provided dozens of individuals with disabilities a pathway to meaningful employment. Graduates of the program now work at restaurants and businesses across the Miami Valley, putting their skills—and confidence—to use every day.
In 2024, TAC Industries received the SourceAmerica Innovation Award for the Fresh Abilities model, while Clark State’s role in the initiative has also drawn accolades. The college was named a Bellwether Award finalist in 2022 and an AACC Awards of Excellence finalist in 2023, specifically recognized for Outstanding College/Corporate Partnership with TAC.
On June 26, Clark State College and TAC Industries hosted a special anniversary event to celebrate five years of Fresh Abilities.
To learn more about Fresh Abilities and its ongoing work in inclusive employment training, visit freshabilities.com.