November 18, 2025 (McMinnville, OR) — The Center for Wine Education at Linfield University has partnered with Unidos Bridging Community, a nonprofit serving the Latinx community in Yamhill County. Together, they aim to connect young adults with educational and workforce opportunities in Oregon’s wine industry, especially in wine production.
“Unidos Bridging Community is thrilled to support the legacy of the local wine-making community through our Level Up workforce development program and higher education scholarships,” said Salma Galvan Pelayo, Level Up coordinator. “Our community has proudly been a part of the wine industry for decades, and we invite Willamette Valley wine businesses to partner with Level Up to advance our mission to develop the next generation of wine producers through short-term work experiences.”
Through this collaboration, several one-time scholarships of $3,000 or more are available, subject to program budget availability. They will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Eligible students must be currently enrolled in, or planning to enroll in, a college-level wine studies program by June 2026, reside or study in Yamhill County, and meet additional eligibility requirements related to belonging to an underserved population group.
This partnership builds on the strong agricultural and winemaking roots of Yamhill County. Vineyard and winery work have supported local families for generations. As the region’s wine economy grows, so does the need for skilled and educated professionals. Unidos and Linfield’s Center for Wine Education are helping Latinx students explore career paths in manufacturing that include management and business skills tailored to the wine industry.
Rooted in Linfield University’s liberal arts tradition, the Wine Studies Program equips students with a range of versatile skills. These include communication, problem-solving and strategic thinking, which prepare students for a range of roles.
“We’re so excited about this partnership and its potential impact on educating our local wine workforce,” said Maria Ponzi, director of The Center for Wine Education. “Helping young people in Yamhill County gain the knowledge and confidence to make strategic decisions and lead in manufacturing invests in the future success of our local wine economy.”
About Unidos Bridging Community
Unidos Bridging Community is a Latinx-led nonprofit that promotes the integration, health and success of Latinx individuals and families in Yamhill County through community building, wellness programs, workforce development and advocacy for systemic change.
About the Center for Wine Education at Linfield University
The Center for Wine Education is dedicated to expanding access to wine education and creating career-ready learning experiences through industry partnerships, scholarships and programs that connect students to Oregon wine jobs.
For more information about scholarship eligibility and application details, contact salma@unidosyamhillcounty.org.
