Sip, Savor, Learn: Seniors Brew Success with Sustainable International Coffee Bar
The below project which is described is funded by the Rich Lauf Global Studies Grant through the World Affairs Council. The grant was awarded to five schools to encourage teachers, students and/or student organizations to develop and carry out a project that benefits your school or community related to the UN Global Goals. You can donate to the grant here.
This project’s alignment with a UN Global Goal is dependent upon the country being focused on for the week!
At the Academy of Global Studies in Winton Woods High School, seniors are not just students; they’re visionary entrepreneurs. And their latest venture, an international coffee bar, brewed up more than just delicious cups of joe—it served as a hub for learning, sustainability, and community engagement.
Over the course of four months, this student-led initiative at the Academy of Global Studies served over 600 cups of coffee to more than 130 students and 50 staff members. But what truly sets this coffee bar apart is its commitment to sustainability.
All materials used in the coffee bar are eco-friendly. The cups, made of wheat straw, are biodegradable, and metal reusable stirrers replace single-use plastic ones. Even the cleaning process is environmentally conscious, with supplies soaked and rinsed to minimize water usage.
But the impact of the coffee bar extends beyond sustainability. Each cup of coffee served tells a story of global connection. The beans, sourced from six different countries—Cuba, Colombia, Italy, Uganda, Brazil, and Ethiopia—provide not just a caffeine fix, but a lesson in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) most relevant to each nation.
When coffee from Colombia is on the menu, students learn about SDG 13: Climate Action, reflecting on the country’s efforts to combat deforestation and promote biodiversity. Likewise, when sipping Ethiopian coffee, discussions center around SDG 2: Zero Hunger, exploring initiatives to eradicate hunger and promote sustainable agriculture in the region.
One student remarked, “The best part about the coffee bar was the ability to hang out, drink some coffee, and learn about the world.” Indeed, this sentiment encapsulates the essence of the coffee bar—not just a place for caffeine, but a space for cultural exchange and global awareness.
Looking ahead, the legacy of this coffee bar continues to inspire. Another student expressed their ambition to take over the coffee bar next year, promising to make it “even bigger and better.” Their enthusiasm reflects the enduring impact of this student-led initiative, proving that with innovation, dedication, and a dash of caffeine, anything is possible.
In the heart of Winton Woods High School, seniors at the Academy of Global Studies have brewed up more than just coffee—they’ve crafted a sustainable, educational, and community-driven experience that leaves a lasting impression on all who partake.
