Vita Coco is teaming up with Coffee Project New York to cultivate coffee excellence through two scholarships available to Tri-State residents.
BY VASILEIA FANARIOTI
SENIOR ONLINE CORRESPONDENT
Featured photo courtesy of Coffee Project NY
Exciting news is brewing in the coffee world as Vita Coco and Coffee Project New York (CPNY) are teaming up to support aspiring coffee professionals and enthusiasts. Renowned for its coconut water, Vita Coco joins forces with CPNY’s Long Island City location, which hosts New York’s only Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) Premier Training Campus.
Together, they are launching two Q Grader scholarship programs at the CPNY academy, sponsored by Vita Coco. This partnership aims to empower individuals looking to advance their skills and knowledge in specialty coffee.
What You Need to Know
Vita Coco’s Q Grade Grant Program is an opportunity for coffee enthusiasts in the Tri-State area (N.Y., N.J., and Conn.) to enhance their skills and knowledge in the industry. The contest registration period runs from February 22 to March 8, 2024. It offers participants the chance to win a coveted spot in a Q Grader course, a highly respected coffee quality evaluation and certification program.
To enter, participants must be legal residents of the Tri-State area, aged 18 or older, and possess a valid driver’s license or government-issued photo ID. Entrants can register online during the designated registration period by scanning a QR code at participating retailers. They can also click through the official link provided on Vita Coco’s social media platforms. Upon registration, participants are required to submit a 3-minute video answering three questions related to the coffee industry.
It’s important to note that each participant is limited to one entry throughout the registration period. Additionally, entrants agree to receive communications from the sponsor regarding the contest and future promotions. The two winners of the Q Grader course will be selected through an application review process.
The course, scheduled from April 1 to April 6, 2024, will take place in Long Island City. It will feature three days of training and three days of exams. Winners will be notified via email and must confirm their eligibility and acceptance of the prize within 72 hours. They will also be required to complete and return necessary documentation, including an affidavit of eligibility and liability/publicity release form.
Vita Coco and CPNY: Empowering Coffee Communities
The Q Grader course offers a valuable opportunity for coffee professionals to enhance their expertise and advance their careers. With an estimated maximum retail value of $2,250 per prize, the total prize value for the contest is $4,500. Juan Hernandez, director of foodservice at Vita Coco, is enthusiastic about the program. “At Vita Coco, we’re dedicated to making a meaningful impact through our commitment to sustainability & social impact initiatives,“ Juan says. “The Q Grade certification, recognized worldwide, signifies expertise in evaluating and grading coffee beans based on their quality and characteristics. Through this program, we’re empowering individuals to deepen their knowledge, skills, and impact within the coffee industry. Join us as we take proactive steps to support education and training, and contribute to the thriving community that drives our passion for specialty coffee.”
Vita Coco’s Q Grade Grant Program presents a significant opportunity for coffee enthusiasts in the Tri-State area to advance their expertise and professional trajectories within the industry. We’re cheering on all the applicants, wishing them the best of luck on their exciting journey ahead!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Vasileia Fanarioti (she/her) is a senior online correspondent for Barista Magazine and a freelance copywriter and editor with a primary focus on the coffee niche. She has also been a volunteer copywriter for the I’M NOT A BARISTA NPO, providing content to help educate people about baristas and their work.
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