Now through November 30, Opo Coffee is accepting nominations for scholarships to the Opo Upside Scholar Program in 2025.
BY J. MARIE CARLAN
BARISTA MAGAZINE ONLINE
Photos courtesy of Opo Coffee
Opo Coffee of Decatur, Ga., has announced the launch of the Opo Upside Scholar Program. This new initiative’s aim is to make education in specialty coffee more accessible to coffee professionals and help them benefit from the knowledge of the larger coffee community.
Opo Is Opening Doors
“The Opo Upside Scholar Program is intended for individuals who have a passion for coffee and a desire to grow in the specialty coffee industry but may lack the means or opportunities to pursue formal training,“ says Opo CEO Jonathan Pascual. “Scholars can be at any stage in their coffee journey—whether they’re working as baristas, managing a coffee shop, or even considering launching a coffee-related business. We’re excited to help them take the next step in their careers.“
The Opo Upside Scholar Program is part of Opo Coffee’s mission to use specialty coffee to make a positive impact in people’s lives all over the world. Deserving individuals will be provided with professional education through the Specialty Coffee Association’s Coffee Skills Program, with a focus on the Brewing and Barista Skills curriculum.
The Three Values
The Opo Upside Scholar Program is divided into three tiers, which correspond to Opo Coffee’s core values: respect, positivity, and honor. Each tier provides a unique level of training at the Opo Training Lab, from introductory courses to advanced skill development.
Other benefits of the scholar program include one-on-one coaching sessions with industry professionals and specialized barista gear. All course fees, equipment, and supplies will be covered by Opo Coffee and Upside Scholar Program sponsors.
“The SCA Coffee Skills courses will take place in person at the Opo Training Lab in Decatur, Ga., to ensure hands-on learning and skill development,“ Jonathan adds. “However, the mentoring and coaching sessions can be done virtually, offering flexibility for the scholars.“
How to Nominate Someone for a Scholarship
Nominations from the coffee community are being accepted through November 30, with awardees announced in December. Scholars will begin their courses in January.
You can nominate anyone you like using the simple online form on Opo’s website.
“We encourage nominations from colleagues, mentors, managers, or anyone who has seen the nominee’s commitment to coffee,“ Jonathan says. “There is no limit to the number of times someone can be nominated, nor the number of different nominations an individual can submit.“
The Next Generation of Coffee Pros
Opo Coffee is confident that they can help prepare the next generation of specialty-coffee experts through the scholarship program. It’s just part of their mission to effect change for the better.
“We believe that the Upside Scholar Program and our stewardship of the SCA Coffee Skills Program help fulfill that mission in the lives of each scholar and their respective communities and is part of our small role in making a positive global impact through the specialty-coffee industry,“ Jonathan says.
For more information or to nominate a scholar, visit opocoffee.com/scholarship.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
J. Marie Carlan (she/they) is the online editor for Barista Magazine. She’s been a barista for 16 years and writing since she was old enough to hold a pencil. When she’s not behind the espresso bar or toiling over content, you can find her perusing record stores, writing poetry, and trying to keep the plants alive in her Denver apartment.
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