2026 Upside Scholar applications are open January 15 – February 28,2026:
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 throughout the world. We seek to award deserving individuals with professional education through the Specialty Coffee Association’s Coffee Skills Program, as well as community and coaching as part of an Upside Scholar cohort.
ScholarshipDetails
15 Upside Scholarships will be awarded in 2026.
Each Upside Scholar Receives:
- Certificate Courses: SCA Introduction to Coffee, SCA Brewing Foundation, SCA Barista Skills Foundation
- 50% off of any Opo Training Lab classes throughout 2026
- One-on-one coaching and mentorship sessions (in-person or virtual) with experienced industry professionals, to help guide Upside Scholars in their career in specialty coffee
- 1 year subscription to Barista Magazine
- Coffee gear from industry sponsors
Eligibility:
- While priority is given to individuals already working in the coffee industry, applications are open to all.
- If applicants are under the age of 18, parental consent will be required.
- Upside Scholars should be able to attend three consecutive days of in-person SCA certificate training at the Opo Coffee Training Lab in Decatur, GA, in one of the three Upside Scholar sessions offered in April, May, or June 2026 (scheduling arranged after scholarships are awarded). Travel expenses are not covered by the scholarship program.
Application Process:
- The current application window is January 15- February 28, 2026. Only applications submitted through this online form will be considered.
- Applications will be reviewed in the first week of March.
- Recipients will be notified via email and must accept the scholarship in writing.
- All scholars will be announced publicly via the Opo Coffee website and social media channels by March 15, 2026.
Other Details:
- All application information is kept confidential and only used for selection and communication.
- There is no cost to accept the scholarship aside from personal travel or lodging.
- Scholarships cannot be transferred to another person and must be used within 2026.
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