FAQs

Why was the NKG PACE Program created?

Who is NKG PACE designed to engage?

What are the program's eligibility requirements?

How much coffee experience is required to apply?

What is the application process?

What is the selection process?

When will those selected be notified?

Why was the NKG PACE Program created?
Entry points into a career in coffee — particularly green coffee — aren’t very clear or abundant. NKG PACE was designed to not only create entry points but to create them for those who are least represented in the industry.

Who is NKG PACE designed to engage?
NKG PACE is designed to bring more Black Americans into coffee. As with gender, racial diversity doesn’t just benefit individuals, it benefits us all.

What are the program's eligibility requirements?
NKG PACE is open to members of the Black community who are interested in careers in coffee that include sensory analysis, quality-lab management and Q Grader training. One year of experience in coffee or a sensory-adjacent or sensory-based field is preferred but not required. Participants must be able to spend a week-long orientation in Hoboken, N.J., and be able to spend a week at a sister office. (All business travel will be at NGUS’ expense.)

How much coffee experience is required to apply?
None is required but some is preferred.

What is the application process?
The application process consists of answering nine questions and submitting a resume and letter of recommendation. The letter can be from an employer, community member or family friend. Because we won’t be asking for references, and resumes can be short on details, the letter is a way for us to learn more about you — and for you to shine.

What is the selection process?
A Selection Committee of coffee sensory professionals and Neumann Gruppe USA (NGUS) Human Resources will narrow the applicants to 10 semi-finalists. These individuals will be invited to video interviews. Six finalists will then receive a sensory kit in the mail, with instructions for completing tasks that will assess their sensory capabilities.

By late February, three individuals — based on the interviews, test results and letters of recommendation — will be invited into the program. With their permission, NGUS will hold on to the applications of especially strong candidates who don’t make the top three, in hopes of alerting them to other opportunities.

When will those selected be notified?
Between December 11 and 15, 10 applicants will be contacted to schedule interviews, which will take place the first three weeks of January. The three finalists selected as NKG PACE Partners will be notified by February 9, 2024. The program will begin May 6, 2024.

Still have questions?
This Journal post discusses a few more topics, including salary, locations and the letter of recommendation. Still have questions? Please email us at nkgpace@nkg.coffee.

Top photos: NKG PACE Graduate Porttia Portis; 2023 NKG PACE Partners Jalen Kelly, Zakiya Mason and Shaa’ista Sabir with Amanda Arbrust-Asselin and Gavin Tull-Esterbrook; Jalen Kelly in the Atlas Coffee Importers lab.