17g Coffee: A Student-Led Journey Brewing Social Impact from Beau Soleil to Kenya

17g Coffee: Students Brewing Social Impact from Beau Soleil to Kenya 

At Collège Alpin Beau Soleil, education is not confined to the walls of a classroom; it reaches far beyond, bridging cultures and sparking global change. One of the most powerful illustrations of this ethos is 17g Coffee, a student-led social enterprise that connects the Beau Soleil community in Switzerland with coffee-growing cooperatives in Kenya.

Rooted in sustainability, ethical sourcing, and leadership, this initiative empowers students to become changemakers through hands-on experience. In 2025, the world will witness their efforts on an international stage as 17g Coffee is featured at the prestigious World of Coffee Geneva, a testament to what youth can achieve when purpose meets action. 

A Purpose-Driven Student Coffee Brand 

17g Coffee takes its name from the 17 grams of ground coffee used in crafting a precise espresso — a reflection of care, quality, and attention to detail. But the brand goes far beyond this technical homage. It’s a student-led initiative with a mission: to learn by doing, while generating sustainable impact from origin to cup.

Launched in 2020 by a group of passionate students who trained as Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) baristas, the project began humbly with borrowed equipment and experiments in the school café. By 2021, it had evolved into a professional operation with a dedicated website, a recognisable identity, and a firm commitment to sourcing ethical, traceable coffee.

From First Brew to International Impact

Since its inception, 17g Coffee has evolved from a student concept into a recognised social enterprise with a global outlook. Here's how the journey has unfolded: 

2021: The team formalised their initiative by launching the 17g Coffee brand. Students earned official SCA barista qualifications and built a website to support their outreach and visibility. 

2022: The first student delegation travelled to Kenya, connecting directly with growers and gaining first-hand insights into the coffee supply chain. They also participated in the Swiss Coffee Connection. 

2023: A second field trip to Kenya deepened existing supplier relationships and strengthened the team’s understanding of ethical sourcing. 

2024: Students focused on strategic preparations for their most ambitious project yet — participation in the prestigious World of Coffee event in Geneva. 

2025: The team launched a newly built school-based coffee bar and introduced a standout innovation — a customised Piaggio three-wheeler, transformed into a fully mobile coffee bar designed to bring espresso experiences to new audiences. They also began roasting in-house using a Bellwether roaster, adding a new layer of sustainability and hands-on learning to the project. After completing their third trip to Kenya, the students are now preparing to showcase their journey and impact stories at World of Coffee Geneva, proudly representing a new generation of socially conscious changemakers. 

Learning Through Leadership 

What makes 17g Coffee so powerful is not just its international impact, but the personal journeys of the students who lead it. Each phase of the project, from learning to brew the perfect espresso to connecting with farmers in Kenya, shapes their worldview and strengthens their sense of purpose. 

Students often describe the experience as transformational. They’ve tackled the complexities of ethical sourcing, managed real-world logistics, and stood proudly at public festivals, representing both their school and their values. As the students of 17g Coffee put it: “With every cup, we learn, we grow, and we brew a better future together.” 

This reflection captures the heart of the project’s mission. It aims to cultivate confident, compassionate global citizens who are ready to engage with the world, not someday, but right now. 

Real-World Learning at Beau Soleil 

17g Coffee is more than a business, it’s a living classroom. Students don’t just learn about coffee; they manage every part of the enterprise. From logistics and sourcing to roasting, marketing, and public engagement, they gain hands-on experience in all facets of ethical entrepreneurship. 

For example, at the Swiss Coffee Connection, students brewed and served coffee, fielded questions about sustainability, and spoke with hundreds of guests about their work in Kenya. Along the way, they studied trade ethics, composting, and the science of decaffeination; building confidence and purpose through lived experience. 

Looking Ahead to World of Coffee 2025 in Geneva

In June 2025, 17g Coffee will reach a major milestone as students present their work at World of Coffee Geneva, Europe’s premier coffee industry event. Their showcase will feature espresso and filter brews made with Kenyan beans. They’ll also host special sessions in collaboration with Eversys, Bellwether, and WMF — including a Kenyan coffee tasting, live roasting, and interactive home espresso workshops. 

As highlighted in the Tea & Coffee Trade Journal announcement, the team aims to “highlight the positive impact of youth-led initiatives on global issues and promote a more transparent, sustainable coffee industry.” 

A Model for Student Empowerment 

17g Coffee reflects the values of Collège Alpin Beau Soleil and the wider Nord Anglia Education (NAE) family. It fosters global citizenship, nurtures leadership, and demonstrates how education can drive positive impact. 

The initiative aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in the areas of quality education, gender equality, and climate action. It also sets a benchmark for how schools can integrate entrepreneurship, sustainability, and service learning into everyday student life. 

How you can help

Whether you're a coffee enthusiast, educator, or impact investor, there are many ways to get involved with 17g Coffee: 

• Taste the coffee: Order online here. 

• Meet the team: Visit us at World of Coffee Geneva, Booth 63 

• Collaborate: Host a student presentation or explore partnership opportunities 

• Follow: Stay up to date on Instagram here.

Each action supports a larger mission: creating a more just, inclusive, and sustainable world. 

Brewing a Better Future, One Cup at a Time 

From humble beginnings to international recognition, 17g Coffee embodies what happens when students lead with purpose. Each stop on their journey, from barista training to Kenya to Geneva, is a story of hope, hard work, and human connection. 

In 2025, when they take the stage at World of Coffee Geneva, they won’t just be serving espresso. They’ll be offering a bold new vision for education. One cup at a time.