Café-Ready by the Weekend.
5 day barista and cafè prep course for 16-25 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.
sign up form
IMPORTANT: Price includes tuition and material costs
About our "Young Barista" Scholarship
We offer a limited number of scholarships for young adults who want to train in coffee and barista skills but cannot cover the full course fee on their own.
Scholarships of up to $500 are available. Awards vary by applicant and are based on financial need and program fit.
Who Can Apply
This scholarship is open to young adults who are serious about working in coffee, hospitality, or a related trade. You do not need prior experience in coffee. You do need a clear reason to attend and a real financial barrier to doing so.
How to Apply
This scholarship is open to young adults who are serious about working in coffee, hospitality, or a related trade. You do not need prior experience in coffee. You do need a clear reason to attend and a real financial barrier to doing so.
The application has three parts.
1. Personal Statement (300-400 words)
Describe a specific moment when you made or tasted something and it changed how you thought about food, drink, or craft. What happened, and what did you take from it?
Write from your own experience. Specific details matter more than polished language.
2. Two Short Answers (100 words each)
What do you plan to do with this training in the next 12 months? Be specific.
Why this week, why now? What is the obstacle you are trying to get past?
3. Financial Context (one short paragraph)
The course fee is $1,495. Tell us about your current work or income situation and how much a scholarship would change your ability to attend.
How We Decide
Applications are reviewed individually. We look at financial need, clarity of intent, and whether this training fits where you are in your life right now. There is no formula. We read what you write.
We are drawn to applicants who see things their own way. A distinct voice, an unexpected observation, or an honest account of a small moment carries more weight than a polished answer. Coffee attracts people with strong opinions and sharp senses. If that sounds like you, let it show.
New, exciting, and a little weird usually are a fit. Interesting ones always make it through.
Scholarship amounts are confirmed in your award letter. Awards range from $300 to $500 and are deducted directly from your tuition
Please send your completed application to in**@********ee.com. Put "Scholarship Application" in the subject line.
FAQ
The program is designed for coffee enthusiasts ages 16-25. 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.