Youth Coffee Academy

 

Youth Coffee Academy

“From the Bean to the Bank: Rearing Our Own to Succeed, While Raising Our Own to Serve” Pastor Kyev Tatum, Founder

The Youth Coffee Academy is a pioneering educational program that guides middle and high school students through every stage of the specialty coffee industry. From the bean to the bank, the Academy prepares students for meaningful careers in coffee—offering practical skills, certifications, and entrepreneurial training while instilling the importance of service to their communities.

Our Vision: From the Bean to the Bank

At the Youth Coffee Academy, “From the Bean to the Bank” symbolizes the complete journey students undertake—from understanding the origins of coffee to creating their own profitable ventures. By equipping students with the knowledge of coffee’s lifecycle, the program fosters a deep appreciation for the craft while empowering them to turn their skills into economic success.

Program Highlights

1. The Bean: Coffee Agriculture and Science

Students begin their journey by exploring the origins of coffee, learning how beans are grown, harvested, and processed. Topics include:

• Sustainable farming practices.

• The science of coffee plant cultivation.

• Hands-on processing techniques like washing and drying beans.

2. The Cup: Barista Training and Coffee Craftsmanship

Students dive into the art and science of brewing, learning the skills necessary to create a perfect cup of coffee.

• Barista certifications in brewing methods, espresso preparation, and latte art.

• Customer service skills for specialty coffee shops.

• Coffee cupping (tasting) to identify and describe flavor profiles.

3. The Roast: Mastering Coffee Roasting Techniques

Roasting is where the flavor comes to life. Students gain hands-on experience in transforming green coffee beans into specialty roasts.

• Operating commercial roasting equipment.

• Experimenting with roast profiles to create unique flavors.

• Understanding quality control and inventory management.

4. The Bank: Business and Entrepreneurship

The final step in the journey is transforming coffee skills into financial opportunity. Students learn how to launch and manage their own coffee ventures.

• Financial literacy: Managing costs, pricing products, and creating budgets.

• Developing a business plan, including branding and marketing.

• Running a pop-up coffee shop as a capstone project to apply learned skills.

What Sets Us Apart?

• Career-First Focus: Students graduate with certifications and job-ready skills that allow them to enter the workforce immediately after high school.

• Alternative to Traditional Education: Designed for families seeking a practical, career-driven education pathway. Students don’t need a four-year degree to achieve success.

• Hands-On Learning: From roasting beans to running a coffee business, students experience every step of the coffee supply chain.

• Community Impact: Students use their skills to bring jobs and economic opportunities back to their neighborhoods.

Slogan: From the Bean to the Bank

The Youth Coffee Academy isn’t just about brewing coffee—it’s about brewing better futures. By guiding students through every phase of the specialty coffee industry, the Academy equips them to take control of their economic destinies while contributing to their communities.

Sample Year-Round Curriculum

Fall Semester

• Module 1: The Science of Coffee Agriculture

• Understanding global coffee production.

• Sustainable farming practices.

• Coffee processing techniques.

• Module 2: Barista Foundations

• Brewing methods: Pour-over, espresso, and cold brew.

• Customer service and café management.

Spring Semester

• Module 3: Coffee Roasting

• Roasting fundamentals and equipment.

• Experimenting with roast profiles and quality control.

• Module 4: Business and Entrepreneurship

• Financial literacy and budgeting.

• Developing a business plan and marketing strategy.

Summer Intensive

• Advanced barista training and certifications.

• Operating a pop-up coffee shop.

• Field trips to coffee farms, roasteries, and trade shows.

Impact: A Journey of Transformation

• **Economic Empowerment**: Through a comprehensive understanding of the coffee supply chain, students are equipped to build viable careers in the specialty coffee industry. Whether as baristas, roasters, or entrepreneurs, graduates are ready to enter the workforce and begin earning right after high school, with many even launching their own coffee businesses.

• Entrepreneurial Growth: “From the Bean to the Bank” isn’t just a slogan—it’s the pathway to financial independence. Through hands-on business experiences, students not only master coffee but also learn how to turn their passion into a profitable venture. This prepares them for entrepreneurial success while emphasizing the importance of ethical and sustainable practices.

• Community Impact: Students are encouraged to use their skills to positively impact their neighborhoods. Whether creating job opportunities, offering mentorship, or launching local coffee enterprises, the Academy builds leaders who understand that true success is measured by their ability to serve and uplift others.

• Confidence and Leadership: Through public speaking opportunities, business presentations, and running their own ventures, students develop confidence, leadership skills, and a sense of responsibility—traits that will carry them far beyond the coffee industry.

Program Benefits

• Real-World Skills: Students gain technical and practical skills that directly translate into employability, from coffee preparation to financial management.

• Entrepreneurship Opportunities: The Academy provides resources for students to start their own coffee-related businesses, including access to mentorship, microloans, and business incubators.

• Global Perspective: Students are introduced to global coffee markets, sustainable practices, and the importance of fair trade, helping them see the bigger picture of their industry and its societal impact.

• Access to Certifications: Students can earn certifications in barista training, coffee roasting, and small business management, increasing their employability and career prospects.

Looking Ahead: Expanding the Vision

As the Youth Coffee Academy grows, we envision extending our reach beyond Fort Worth, impacting students across the nation. Future plans include:

• Expansion into Other Cities: We aim to bring the Academy’s model to other underserved communities, particularly those where economic revitalization and job creation are needed most.

• Partnerships with Coffee Organizations: Establishing relationships with coffee growers, roasters, and coffee companies will ensure that students have direct access to internships, job placements, and mentorships.

• Scholarships and Funding: The goal is to provide scholarships to students who wish to continue their education in coffee-related fields, ensuring that financial barriers don’t prevent them from pursuing their careers.

• Alumni Network: By establishing an alumni network, we will create a lifelong community of support for graduates, providing ongoing mentorship, professional development, and networking opportunities.

Why “From the Bean to the Bank” Matters

“From the Bean to the Bank” is not just a framework for education—it is the key to unlocking the potential of inner-city youth. It provides a tangible, clear pathway to success without requiring years of higher education and student debt. Through this program, students can transform their passions into careers, create their own businesses, and contribute to their communities in meaningful ways.

The Youth Coffee Academy is more than just about coffee—it’s about providing the tools for personal and community transformation, one cup at a time.