World Tea Academy Is Accepting Submissions for the 2020 ‘Brian Keating Gratitude Scholarship’

The Brian Keating Gratitude Scholarship was established in 2019 in memory of tea visionary Brian Keating, who passed away in 2018. According to WTA, Keating was a generous mentor, consultant and strong voice for tea education in the specialty tea industry, and he served as an invaluable resource and strategic technical advisor to World Tea Academy. In his honor, one WTA scholarship is awarded each year.

The 2019 WTA scholarship was presented to Elsa Carette, who works at Brooklyn, New York-based Bushwick Tea in sales and training. “I've loved studying with World Tea Academy,” says Carette, “and I always recommend it highly to anyone who asks me about a tea training program. In my opinion, WTA is one of the best ways to educate yourself as a tea professional, so that you can then educate others.”

Elsa Carette, the 2020 World Tea Academy Brian Keating Gratitude Scholarship recipient. Image: Courtesy of Elsa Carette.

Passionate About Sharing Tea Knowledge
Carette notes that the WTA program is “incredibly well thought-out and put together” with videos, readings, assignments and actual tea tastings, which students can do from anywhere in the world. “The interactions with the instructors are always inspiring and enjoyable,” she says. You can tell they are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about sharing that knowledge. They make it a true pleasure to be in class.”

Since launching in 2013, World Tea Academy has enrolled more than 900 students, like Carette, spanning 59 countries, 6 continents and 46 of the 50 United States, plus the District of Columbia.

At WTA, Carette pursued and received the Tea Aroma Expert Certification. “Being able to say that I've studied tea, and that I'm a certified tea professional, definitely gives my experiences added significance,” she explains. “It also makes me feel more confident in my work, whether I'm speaking with clients or fellow tea professionals.”

To learn more about World Tea Academy and how to apply for the 2020 Brian Keating Gratitude Scholarship (deadline Oct. 11, 2020), visit WorldTeaAcademy.com. Questions? Email [email protected].