Habit was proud to support Force In Training (FIT) Day presented by Wells Fargo with the California Restaurant Foundation. Together, we helped thousands of high school students build the confidence and real world skills they needed to land their first jobs and take meaningful steps toward bright futures.

More than 3,500 students across California took part in the California Restaurant Foundation’s FIT Day presented by Wells Fargo. Over the course of one morning, 150 volunteers teamed up to prepare ProStart students for their first interviews, first paychecks, and the responsibilities that come with both.

FIT Day presented by Wells Fargo grew from the California Restaurant Foundation’s mission to enrich culinary arts programs at public high schools statewide. On this single day, 90- minute in person workshops unfolded simultaneously at 51 schools.

Restaurant industry volunteers, including our team at Habit, worked directly with students on mock interviews, elevator pitches, handshakes, and conversations about career paths in food service and hospitality. Wells Fargo volunteers focused on financial readiness, walking students through an interactive paycheck budgeting activity and introducing them to CalKids, a resource that helps cover costs for college or career training.

Stacy Hua, Social Purpose Team Chair at Habit, shared what the day meant to her. “One thing I love about Habit is how much time we choose to give to our social purpose work. It is easy to write a check to a charity, but showing up and donating our time to give real life advice to youth who are ready to enter the job market is something different. It feels meaningful. It feels like we are championing the next generation of restaurant leaders.”

For many students, this was their first real exposure to the world of work. They were preparing to apply for jobs and earn their own money for the first time. FIT Day presented by Wells Fargo gave them a supportive place to practice, ask questions, and learn from people who want to see them succeed. It was a powerful reminder of how much impact a single day of mentorship can have on a young person’s future.