Chicago Gyro partners with CEES to create meaningful internship opportunities for high school students
Building bridges through community partnerships
Chicago Gyros and Dogs is making a powerful impact on the community by opening its doors to students from the Collaboration for Employment and Education Synergy (CEES) program at the University of Cincinnati’s IDD Education Center. Through this community partnership, the restaurant has created internship opportunities that empower high school students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to gain real-world job experience and build confidence in the workplace through the hospitality pre-apprenticeship pathway.
We’ve always believed in traditional values and strong morals,” said Dave, restaurant manager of Chicago Gyros and Dogs. “I grew up surrounded by people with different abilities and always wanted to be involved in a program like CEES. I just didn’t know how to get started.”
Restaurant Manager, Dave, in front of Chicago Gyro/Photo: Nikki Murray
When the opportunity arose to become a community partner with CEES, Dave, restaurant manager, and the owner of Chicago Gyros and Dogs, eagerly embraced it. Initially, there were questions about how customers, staff, and the CEES students would respond to an internship within the restaurant environment. However, the experience quickly became a transformative one for everyone involved.
“We realized how much our community needed a program like this,” Dave shared. “Working with CEES students has inspired others to see what’s possible when businesses take that first step to encompass people of all abilities. The students have big dreams, and being part of that helps our employees and our customers grow too.”
The CEES program, based at the University of Cincinnati’s campus, provides high school students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) with an individualized 12-week transition and pre-apprenticeships that are focused on building technical training skills, self-determination, and work-based learning opportunities. Partnerships with community employers like Chicago Gyros and Dogs, CEES helps students explore their interests, get hands on experience, and prepare for future meaningful careers.
“It’s the business’s responsibility to bring out the light in a person and give anyone the opportunity to showcase their abilities,” Dave explained. “Sometimes, companies just don’t know where to start or what resources are available. Programs like CEES make that connection possible and show how we can all be an extension of our community to support people of all abilities.”
CEES Student, Matthew, working at his internship at Chicago Gyro. Photo: IDD Education Center Student Associate
Matthew, a high school senior, and a student in the CEES program, has become a standout intern at Chicago Gyros and Dogs, impressing both staff and customers with his enthusiasm and strong work ethic.
Recently, Matthew achieved a major milestone when he successfully managed a $400 catering order from preparation to delivery. His attention to detail ensured every item was correct, and his confidence beamed as he saw the order completed perfectly. The Chicago Gyros and Dogs team shared how proud they were of his growth, noting how the experience reflected the true purpose of the CEES program: helping students build independent skills and take pride in their accomplishments.
“This program has brought a whole new life to the establishment,” said Dave. “It’s helped break through barriers and made the team more aware, compassionate, and connected.”
Community partnerships and internships are essential to the success of our program.
Maddie Baumer, Director of CEES
They create meaningful connections between classroom learning and real-world application, allowing students to practice the technical skills they’ve developed in a supportive, hands-on environment. These experiences help students build confidence, explore career interests, and make informed decisions about their future. At the same time, employers benefit by engaging with a motivated group of young people—gaining valuable insight into new age hiring practices and strengthening their capacity to support a more multifaceted workforce.", said Maddie Baumer, Director of CEES.
Matthew and Dave celebrating a huge catering order milestone: Photo IDD Education Center
At Chicago Gyros and Dogs, a multifaceted workplace is part of the atmosphere. Customers are greeted with warmth, great food, and a sense of belonging. “We want everyone to feel welcome when they walk through our doors where they can relax, enjoy the atmosphere, and see the possibilities of what an inviting workplace looks like,” Dave added. “When customers see the interns working, it sets an example for others to follow in their own businesses and communities.”
Through partnerships like this, CEES program at the IDD Education Center continues to strengthen pathways to employment and accessibility for students of all abilities one internship, one connection, and one success story at a time.
Featured image at top: Photo of Chicago Gyros and Dogs Restaurant Photo: Nikki Murray, Marketing Coordinator, IDD Education Center
IDD Education Center
UC’s IDD Education Center’s mission is to create meaningful, life-changing experiences for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) through innovative research, education and service. Nested in UC’s College of Education, Criminal Justice, Human Services and IT (CECH), the IDD Education Center provides programs for teens and adults to further their education, independence, and life skills. Program participants reach their potential and find their purpose in a community that accepts and supports them to be the best they can be. The IDD Education Center embraces the University’s strategic direction of Next Lives Here, breaking boundaries and providing opportunities for employment, social connections, and life-long learning.
We believe every individual possesses unique power, potential, and purpose.
Impact Lives Here
The University of Cincinnati is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. Our faculty, staff and students are saving lives, changing outcomes and bending the future in our city's direction. Next Lives Here.
Related Stories
Chicago Gyro partners with CEES to create meaningful internship opportunities for high school students
November 18, 2025
The University of Cincinnati’s IDD Education Center is spotlighting a transformative partnership between Chicago Gyro and the CEES program. Through internships, high school students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are gaining real-world experience, building confidence, and contributing meaningfully to the workplace.
UC students destigmatize stress in nursing
May 7, 2025
UC nurse anesthesia graduate students lead a research-based effort to address stress and burnout in nursing, coping strategies, and the importance of mindfulness and peer support.
Working towards sustainability at Michelman
September 23, 2025
UC graduate student Nishat Sultana describes her experience as a Sustainability Industry Fellow at Michelman, organized by the Center for Public Engagement with Science (PEWS).