SCAA Symposium Fellowships: Apply Now

When the Specialty Coffee Association of America debuted Symposium a few years ago as an intense educational track to be held in conjunction with the annual SCAA Conference & Expo, reaction was mixed. While many applauded the addition of forum where coffee professionals could really dig their heels into the most timely industry news and trends, the hefty price tag ”around $1,000 ”deterred others.

This year, the SCAA announces that Symposium is introducing a fellowship program for the event taking place April 23 “24. “The Symposium Fellowship program is designed to give access to Symposium to those who might not normally be able to attend for financial or other reasons,” says a press release issued today. “The ideal Symposium Fellow is a future or current leader in specialty coffee, driving the future of coffee. They might be a barista who has pushed their coffee shop forward, a producer co-op leader who has organized their community around coffee quality, a young entrepreneur who is building a company around a great idea, or a person working for an NGO who is making a special difference.

One of the most well respected men in specialty coffee, Timothy Schilling, Executive Director of World Coffee Research, was one of the speakers at Symposium in 2013.
One of the most well respected men in specialty coffee, Timothy Schilling,  Executive Director of  World Coffee Research, was one of the speakers at Symposium in 2013. Photo courtesy of www.scaasymposium.org

“The fellowship is designed for people who lack the financial resources to attend Symposium on their own, but who belong in the environment of leadership, deeper understanding, and progress that Symposium provides,” the press release continues.

Interested in applying for this opportunity to attend the 2014 Symposium for no charge? Then apply today HERE. Applications must be submitted by February 13 to be eligible. Selected fellows will be notified by March 3.

Professional baristas such as Michael Phillips the U.S. and Oda Misje Hoag of Norway, pictured here, play a more and more prominent role in Symposium each year.
Professional baristas such as Michael Phillips the U.S. and Oda Misje Hoag of Norway, pictured here, play a more and more prominent role in Symposium each year. Photo courtesy of www.scaasymposium.org

NOTE: Fellows will be responsible for their own travel and hotel accommodations. Registration at Symposium includes some meals.

About Sarah 936 Articles
Sarah Allen (she/her) is co-founder and editor of Barista Magazine, the international trade magazine for coffee professionals. A passionate advocate for baristas, quality, and the coffee community, Sarah has traveled widely to research stories, interact with readers, and present on a variety of topics affecting specialty coffee. She also loves animals, swimming, ice cream, and living in Portland, Oregon.