Youth Program Overview

Similar to the core FareStart Adult Program, the eight-week Barista Training and Education Program provides job training and placement, life skills, employment counseling, classroom, and on-the-job training for the competitive espresso industry.

The first two weeks of training take place in a classroom equipped with 2 espresso machines where students learn and practice the steps of basic espresso drinks. They learn the history of coffee and how the industry functions on a global scale. The following five weeks of training take place at the FareStart Café @ 2100 at 2100 24th Ave South. At the café, students get an opportunity to apply skills learned in the classroom in a real life setting The final week of job readiness training is held in the classroom, where the youth explore occupational opportunities with our instructors and community volunteers who engage our students in resume building, interviewing and employability skills, as well as mock-interviews.

The Youth Barista Training & Education Program receives tremendous support from Starbucks Coffee Company, Peet’s Coffee and Tea, and Caffe Vita.

For more information about the Youth Barista Training & Education Program, or to learn more about the services that YouthCare offers, contact:

YouthCare: 206-622-5555 or BTEP@youthcare.org

FareStart: Leah Meltzer, Cafe Program Supervisor: 206-267-6219 or leah@farestart.org