GEN COFFEE INSTITUTE
cURRICULUM designed to inspire curiosity, equip learners, and foster community & unrelenting progress in the modern specialty coffee sector1 INSTITUTE,
4 PATHS
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This industry path examines the collaborative contributions that shape coffee at origin, highlighting the work of producers, millers, buyers, and agronomists. It provides a comprehensive exploration of coffee prior to roasting, beginning with the earliest stages of plant development and continuing through processing toward green coffee buying practices.
Learners will develop a substantive understanding of green coffee as well as have opportunities to connect with industry professionals and conduct research in this stage of the coffee supply chain.
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This industry path examines the science, craft, and decision-making of coffee roasters and roastery production workers. It follows the roasting process from green coffee delivery through production planning, quality development, and customer-facing sales interactions.
Learners will build a substantive understanding of coffee roasting as well as have opportunities to connect with industry professionals and conduct research in this stage of the coffee supply chain.
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This industry path examines the science, craft, and decision-making of coffee brewers, from baristas and café owners to home enthusiasts. It explores the brewing process from bean selection and recipe development to service, presentation, and consumer interaction.
Learners will develop a substantive understanding of coffee brewing as well as have opportunities to connect with industry professionals and conduct research in this stage of the coffee supply chain.
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This industry path examines the discipline, skill, and applied knowledge of coffee tasters, from sensory trainers to Q-graders. It explores the sensory training process, from standardized calibration and evaluation methods to defect identification, quality assessment, and informed communication of flavor.
Learners will develop a substantive understanding of coffee tasting and sensory evaluation with opportunities to connect with industry professionals and conduct research in this discipline.
LEARNING MODELS
I. LECTURE-BASED
This learning model is the focus of our introductory coursework within each industry path (e.g., Origins I). This format ensures students are equipped first with peer-reviewed, research-backed information that outlines industry standards and provides resources for further study.
This model contains instructor-led labs interwoven into the format. These hands-on activities allow more abstract concepts to become tangible in the lives of coffee learners with real-world application using the most reliable industry tools.
The lecture-based model is instructor-led with class sizes up to twelve students –– designed for like-minded coffee community members. Around 30 hours of lecture-based learning material is planned for each introductory course which allows for an in-depth understanding of each of the four industry paths.
II. MENTORSHIP-BASED
This learning model is the focus of our secondary coursework within each industry path (e.g., Origins II). This format ensures students are paired with industry professionals in a one-on-one mentorship program for approximately 12 weeks.
This model is more selective as we aim to match students with ideal mentors within their preferred path and who most closely align with their prospective career goals. As a result, students will have the benefit of meeting with their mentor weekly, having hands-on training, and learning the ins-and-outs of the industry from experts.
The mentorship-based model is capped at three students per industry path per season.
III. RESEARCH-BASED
This learning model is the focus of our tertiary coursework within each industry path (e.g., Origins III). This format ensures students who have a strong foundational understanding of a particular coffee topic as well as connections with industry professionals can further their field of interest through research-based study.
This model is highly selective and requires the completion of both the introductory and secondary courses within the chosen path. Due to limited funding for research opportunities, only four students will be selected each year for research-based study. Students will be chosen based on the topic of research chosen and the institute’s means for funding that research. An application and detailed research proposal are required for consideration.
If selected for research-based study, students will have approximately one year to formulate a research protocol, gather data, and summarize your findings in a scientific paper.
ABOUT OUR INSTITUTE
“We believe coffee education should be accessible to all –– whether you are already in the industry, seeking new knowledge, or even questioning why coffee deserves its own curriculum. We exist for professionals, home enthusiasts, or curious learners. Our programs are in-person, curated for deep understanding, and applicable to your coffee journey.
Our 4 foundational courses –– Origins I, Roasting I, Brewing I, and Sensory I –– are SCA-aligned, yet remain affordable, approachable, and offered to all in our community. We hope you are inspired to register for a course or get connected by contacting us to learn more about why we exist. We are passionate about the specialty coffee industry but even more passionate about sharing knowledge with anyone willing to hear!”
– Alex Espinosa, Gen Coffee Institute Founder & Educator
