NEW
Café-Ready by the Weekend.
5 day barista and cafè prep course for 14-24 years olds
Young Barista academy
Ready to transform your summer into an epic coffee journey? At Young Barista Academy, YOU become the barista you've always admired! Learn to craft amazing drinks, master professional equipment, and create your own unique coffee menu that will have everyone asking for more.
From day one, you'll be hands-on with real espresso machines – no boring lectures or endless demonstrations. You'll pull shots, steam milk to silky perfection, and create latte art that belongs on social media. By the end of the week, you'll be confidently running your own café, serving signature drinks YOU invented, and showing off skills that local coffee shops are actively looking for.
Join a crew of fellow coffee enthusiasts where the energy is high, the creativity flows like espresso, and every day brings new challenges to conquer. Whether you're dreaming of working in a coffee shop or just want to master barista skills that will impress everyone you know – this is where your coffee journey begins!
Coffee Fundamentals
Understand coffee’s journey from farm to cup (origins, roasting basics, flavor profiles). Learn the essentials of espresso extraction (machine setup, grinder adjustments, shot consistency).
Milk & Latte Art
Master milk steaming for various drinks (cappuccinos, lattes, etc.).Practice basic latte art pours (hearts, tulips) and develop creative drink presentations.
Pour Over
Explore manual brewing techniques for diverse flavor experiences.
Non-Coffee Beverages
Experiment with chai, matcha, flavored syrups, and sparkling water to craft unique signature drinks.
Customer Service
Build confidence in order-taking, guest interaction, and managing feedback.
Hands-On Café Experience
Afternoons, barista apprentices open their own café, serving friends and family to gain real behind-the-bar experience.
Proof of Awesome: They Earn a Real Certificate
Starting Tuesday, these barista apprentices aren't just learning—they're running their own café. Each afternoon, they serve real drinks to friends and family and get a real taste of life behind the bar. Friday's café is extra special, featuring their own wild, wonderful signature drink creations—lattes, cold brews, and Italian sodas—served with style and confidence.
They came, they steamed, they conquered. Every barista apprentice leaves with a Certificate of Completion, proving they've mastered legit barista skills—perfect for resumes, bragging rights, or framing right next to their favorite coffee mug.
Trainer’s Got Their Back: A Reference That Matters
If your barista apprentice shows up with focus and determination, they won’t just earn a certificate—they’ll also receive a personal recommendation from the lead trainer. That’s a real foot in the door for future café jobs and proof they’ve got the skills, work ethic, and team spirit to shine on any barista crew.
Hi, I am European espresso mentor - valerian
My coffee story started when I was 12 years old, sneaking sugar cubes into my mom’s coffee and letting them soak just long enough to be dangerous. I’d eat them on the way to school, buzzing with caffeine and confidence. Not sure if it was the coffee or just me—but I was a great student after that. Probably both.
I grew up in Europe, where espresso isn’t just a drink—it’s a lifestyle. It’s fast, strong, social, and always part of the conversation. That vibe stuck with me. Since then, I’ve built coffee companies on two continents, trained hundreds of baristas and roasters, and helped launch brands that went from garage to greatness.
These days, I teach at Boot Coffee Campus in California, where I get to share what I’ve learned—and help you discover just how fun and powerful coffee can be when you know what you’re doing behind the bar. My passion now is to pass that torch—to help future coffee professionals and enthusiasts tap into real skills and a little bit of that European coffee spirit I grew up with.
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FAQ
The program is designed for coffee enthusiasts ages 14-22. We create an inclusive environment where teens and young adults can learn professional barista skills together.
While the program is definitely fun, the skills taught are exactly what local coffee shops look for when hiring. Many graduates have gone on to secure barista positions after completing our program.
During café sessions, students take turns operating as a real café team—taking orders, making drinks, and serving customers (usually friends and family). This provides authentic service experience in a supportive environment.
Everything is included! Students don’t need to bring any equipment or supplies. We recommend comfortable closed-toe shoes and clothes that can handle potential coffee splashes.
Safety is our first priority. Students receive thorough safety training before operating any equipment, and all activities are closely supervised by our professional instructors.
While students will taste small amounts of coffee to understand flavor profiles, they’re not required to consume large amounts of caffeine. In tasting scenarios we spit coffee. That said students will be exposed to caffein and if they are sensitive to it this course (or job at a coffee shop) is not for them.
Parents are welcome to observe the café sessions when students are serving drinks in Afternoon Cafè. We also invite all parents to our Friday Graduation Café celebration.
While we can’t guarantee job placement, our program is internationally recognized, and we work closely with local coffee shops who value the training our students receive. In addition to earning a certificate of completion, students who show strong skills and professionalism may also receive a personal recommendation letter from our lead trainer—something that carries real weight in the coffee industry.
Many of our past students have gone on to secure jobs at cafés based on the experience, confidence, and skills they gained here. Whether it’s a first job or a step toward a career in coffee, this program gives them a real edge.
No, meals are not provided. Participants should plan for their own meals, except for Day 5, when we will celebrate with pizza and drinks during the networking session.
