Hey hey!

It’s Sierra! ✌ A barista girl, passionate about coffee and eager to share it with others. I love the way coffee is an opportunity to connect with those around us and the impact it can make. Because of my passion and my dream to one day start a cafe, I am looking to increase my knowledge and skills as a barista, with the intention and goal of being able to train and certify new and curious baristas.

Last spring, I discovered more about the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) and how they have Authorized Certified Trainers (ACT) around the world. They host a variety of coffee courses, including barista skills. I am intrigued by learning and developing my skills as a barista, but I would also love to become an Authorized Certified Trainer (ACT) to certify others.

But why do I need to be certified as a barista? Well, from my experience the last three years as a barista, it can be difficult to show and explain my depth of skill and knowledge without some kind of documentation proving my skill level. At that point, people just have to trust that I know what I know. I don't have any way to "prove" my knowledge, which, honestly, I have found frustrating in the coffee world. I think it would be so beneficial to have a certification to show how I am skilled in my craft, and one that is globally recognized.

To become certified and to expand my knowledge, I will be taking two barista courses with the SCA in London in early June. Once I have completed both courses, I will apply to become an ACT, to train others, so they too can have the opportunity to learn well, and gain documentation of their knowledge and skills.

Over the last few years, I have stepped deeper into the world of coffee, and have trained new and experienced baristas, created a barista course program in partnership with a local prison, started coaching baristas for competition, and competed myself at a Regional and National level, (actually I'm currently Norway's 10th best barista). This is to show that the community around coffee is not just a hobby for me, but really is something I am passionate about and dedicated to.

I see coffee as a way to connect with people daily, to play a small part in uplifting their day, and to build community. I want to further my contribution to those in the coffee community, to train others and offer them a legitimate certificate, something tangible in their hands.

By becoming an ACT, I can do exactly that! This certificate is recognized globally, which makes it the perfect certification for anyone, no matter where they are from or where they will go next.

Taking the barista courses and becoming an ACT are just steps leading me to where I want to be in the future. Bringing me closer to achieving dreams and goals for my life, to impact people through the community and hospitality of coffee.

To achieve this, I am in need of your help through financial support to cover the course/education cost, application fees, and travel expenses.

These courses are at a high standard and therefore come at a high price.

Here I have listed the breakdown of the estimated total expenses:

Barista Skills Intermediate & Professional Courses: $1,475

SCA Certification for both courses: $120

Application to become an Authorized SCA Trainer: $1,900

Price per Module License: $255

New AST Applicant Fee: $299

Travel Expenses: $750 - $1,000

I sooo sooo sooo greatly appreciate any support in making this possible. Opportunities are being opened for me; the only thing stopping me now is finances. Becoming an ACT is a goal and dream of mine, and it is so close to reality.

If you would rather not give through GoFundMe, please contact me through my email, and we can find an alternative payment method.

Thank you so so so much!

❤️ Sierra