The Operational Model: "The Recyclical" Dynamic
By intentionally combining Returning Citizens (Credible Messengers) and Youth (Emerging Talent), Grounds to Greatness creates structured, intergenerational mentorship in which individuals with lived experience support younger participants in navigating work, accountability, and long-term career pathways.
SPARK LEVEL
Coffee Operations & Personal Foundational Skills & Certifications
RISE LEVEL
Management, Roasting, Leadership, & Business Specialization
FLIGHT LEVEL
Management, Branding & Identity, Entrepreneurship, & Enterprise Creation
Credible Messenger
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Who: At the ”Rise Level,” Justice-impacted individuals are positioned for leadership, redemption, and sustained engagement in meaningful work.
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Role within VietFive: Shift Leads, Roasters, Operations/Inventory Managers.
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Program Role: Mentors teach technical skills, and become Co-Developers of the curriculum.
Emerging Talent
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Who: At the “Spark Level,” participants from targeted Chicago communities are positioned to build foundational skills and confidence through structured mentorship and real-world experience.
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Role within VietFive: Baristas, Content Creators, Inventory Assistants, Event Support.
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Program Role: Mentees, develop technical skills while bringing energy and real-time feedback on program relevancy.
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Synergy: They are motivated by the Leads' "lived experience" and visible success. The respect is inherent because the Leads have the "receipts" and are now in positions of leadership and dignity.
"Grounds To Greatness" Curriculum & Certification program provides a robust set of certifications that go beyond basic job skills to include business management and entrepreneurial competencies.
Spark Level (1-4 Weeks)
Coffee Operations & Personal Foundational Skills & Certifications
Food Handler Certifications, VietFive Barista Proficiency, Introduction to Q-Grader Principles, Financial Literacy 101. Introduce participants to employers in the F&B Industry. Provide preventative health education & access to government services.
Rise Level (8-12 Weeks)
Management, Roasting, Leadership, & Business Specialization
Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) Foundations or Intermediate Module, Roasting Fundamentals (Green Coffee Sourcing/Cupping), Shift Management Certification. Connect Rise level participants with Metropolis, VietFive, Mojo, or other local roasters.
Flight Level (12-24 Weeks)
Business Acumen, Entrepreneurship & Enterprise Creation
Small Business Administration (SBA) Business Plan Certification, Managerial Certification (Food & Beverage), VietFive "Enterprise Launch Kit" (Branding, Legal Structure, Seed Funding Proposal). MBE/BEP/DBE/WBE/PBE Certifications.