Raise the Bar Mentorship Alliance announced that applications for its second annual cohort are now open through June 30, 2025, at raisethebar.org. 

The 2026 program is expanding to welcome applicants from Mexico, Canada, Puerto Rico, and several Caribbean countries. 

Raise the Bar is a pioneering mentorship and leadership development initiative built to support and elevate the next generation of bartending changemakers. Through a transformative six-month, one-on-one mentorship experience, the program pairs rising talent with some of the most influential leaders in the hospitality world for the opportunity to bring purpose-driven projects to life. 

Now, with the expansion of the program, one-on-one mentoring opportunities will be available in English, Spanish, and French — deepening the program’s commitment to inclusion and global community-building. 

One of the program’s defining features is its dual investment in both mentee growth and mentor development. Seasoned professionals receive advanced training in mentorship and inclusive leadership to help them guide emerging talent with empathy, intention, and purpose. Mentees, in turn, are equipped with the tools to launch real-world projects that drive innovation, community impact, and inclusivity across the beverage industry. 

Feature workshops will be conducted on essential topics such as grant writing, financial planning, and mental health, to equip mentees with the skills they need to thrive. The 2026 program will run from January 12 to July 13, 2026. 

In its inaugural year, Raise the Bar saw remarkable accomplishments from both mentors and mentees, including: 

• Two mentors — Kate Gerwin and Kate Boushel — were named Top 10 nominees for Best Bar Mentor at the 2025 Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards. 
• Mentor Tiffanie Barriere made history as the first bartender ever to ring the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange. 
• Program Director and founder Lucia Creed was honored with the 2025 Tales of the Cocktail Catalyst Award for her leadership in advancing inclusivity in the global beverage community. 

All twelve 2025 mentees are on track to present capstone proposals addressing a broad spectrum of issues — from education and cultural storytelling, to community reintegration and creative hospitality ventures. Two projects will receive $10,000 seed grants to launch their initiatives. 

“As we grow into our second year, we’re inspired by the vision and momentum of our first cohort,” Creed said in a news release. “Expanding our reach across North America and the Caribbean allows us to connect even more emerging leaders with the mentorship and resources they need to spark change in our industry—with plans to grow even further in the years ahead.” 

Sponsoring the 2025 cohort is Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, which honors the world’s first-known African American master distiller, Nearest Green. Much like Uncle Nearest’s creation, Raise the Bar was designed to offer mentorship, guidance, and support to individuals across all demographics, with a focused commitment to fostering a truly diverse cohort of mentees and championing representation in the spirits industry. 

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About Raise the Bar 

Raise the Bar is committed to strengthening the future of the bar industry from the inside out. By cultivating strong mentor-mentee relationships and supporting purpose-driven projects, the program fosters sustainable leadership and community impact across the hospitality sector. To learn more or apply, visit raisethebar.org.