Photo credit: Erin Malone, Lightspeed Films
3/9/2022 - Saint Helena, CA - Napa Valley Vintners (NVV) is proud to announce the next round of available scholarships through the UNCF (United Negro College Fund) is now open for students wishing to pursue a career in the wine industry. Recipients will receive support toward college tuition this fall, with the ability to receive continued funding for up to four years.
In 2020, NVV committed $1 million to the fund, pledging $200,000 each year for the next five years. For the 2022 application cycle, additional qualifying educational institutions with substantial wine-related programs have been added, including Fresno State University, Santa Rosa Junior College and Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo.
“This year we’re excited to broaden our reach and connect with more students who are eager to expand their career horizons into the world of wine. We are incredibly fortunate to have so many leading community colleges and universities with wine-focused programs who are able to provide a rich educational foundation,” said Linda Reiff, President and CEO of Napa Valley Vintners. “We’re thrilled to support another group of passionate students on their educational journey towards a career in the wine industry.”
The NVV scholarship program was created to encourage people of color to pursue college degrees and careers in the wine industry in subjects ranging from grape growing, winemaking, marketing, business and more at a college or university that has an established wine-related program of study. The need-based scholarships provide a range of funding from $3,500 to $7,500 annually to assist with tuition up to four years. Students in any year of college, freshmen to senior, as well as graduate students are eligible. Black/African American, Indigenous/Native American, Latinx, Asian American, Pacific Islander and other candidates of color are encouraged to apply.
The scholarship program not only provides financial assistance, but also helps ensure students are set up for long term career success. Upon graduation students will already have work experience and contacts in the industry.
The qualifying institutions have mentorship, internship and career placement programs in place to help students succeed in their careers beyond their studies. Students applying for or attending the following schools are eligible for assistance: Cuesta College, Napa Valley College, Santa Rosa Junior College, Fresno State University, Cal Poly at San Luis Obispo, Sonoma State University and University of California at Davis.
The deadline to apply is May 19, 2022. Interested applicants should go to https://scholarships.uncf.org/ToProgram/Napavalley.
About Napa Valley Vintners
The Napa Valley Vintners nonprofit trade association has been cultivating excellence since 1944 by inspiring its nearly 550 members to consistently produce wines of the highest quality, provide environmental leadership and care for the extraordinary place they call home. Since 1981, the NVV has invested more than $200 million in its community to provide equitable access to healthcare and opportunity for advancement in children’s education. NVV is dedicated to improving diversity and championing inclusivity in its community and in the wine industry. Learn more at napavintners.com.
Contact: Teresa Wall, Senior Director of Communications - 707-968-4210, twall@napavintners.com
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