The Nonprofit Will Provide Funds and Added Support for BIPOC People Seeking To Advance their Wine Education in their Biggest Scholarship Round To Date
Berlin, CT (September 26, 2022) – The Roots Fund, a nonprofit dedicated to creating inclusive opportunities for communities of color throughout the wine industry, announced today they have opened two different scholarship applications today. The 2022 Fall General Scholarship Fund, which provides financial awards between $1K – $20K, is designed to help people of color advance their education in the wine industry and break into the industry. In addition, The Roots Fund will be providing scholarships for college students actively pursuing degrees in wine-related programs and hospitality programs.
Scholarship guidelines and applications are available online at TheRootsFund.org. Applications will be open until October 7th.
“My goal is that this will be The Roots Fund’s biggest scholarship round yet, supporting both emerging talent and those who are inactively engaged in a multi-year study of the industry. We have awarded over $300K in scholarships this year, and we are incredibly proud of the massive impact The Roots Fund has had on the face of the industry,” says Ikimi Dubose-Woodson, Executive Director of The Roots Fund. “If we want to dramatically change the face of the wine industry, it starts with the cost of education and a support system.”
In addition to educational funds, all Roots Fund scholars receive added support from the organization and are encouraged to participate with the network of scholars. The organization provides counseling, mentorship, and free supplemental materials provided by Jancis Robinson, Wine Spirits & Education Trust, Wine Folly, and the leading Burgundy Domaines.
“Our support system is what sets The Roots Fund apart from similar scholarship programs,” added Dubose-Woodson. “We have a massive network of scholars who are in the industry, making changes and encouraging others to follow in their footsteps. Our scholars are mentored by our brilliant team of leaders like Board members Carlton McCoy and Jeremy Seysses, alongside all other scholars who have passed through this program. There’s power in numbers and we are changing this industry.”
Applicant qualifications are as follows:
General Fund:
- Be a person of color
- Be actively involved in the wine industry
- Must be a legal US resident, and currently reside in the US
- Have the intent to enroll in a certification program by November, 2022.
- Must be 21 years of age to utilize funds for any certification course
College Fund:
- Be a person of color
- Be actively pursuing education that leads to career in wine
- Must be a legal US resident, and currently reside in the US
- Must be an active student with minimum 3.0 GPA
- Must be active in a student organization or working in hospitality industry currently
- If you have an intent to enroll in a certification program (attach proof of any level of certification you have already received.) Must be 21 years of age to utilize funds for any certification courses
- Requiring travel assistance to study in next 60 days for wine focused education
- Submit a letter of recommendation from an employer, or college professor, or advisor
- Submit a 1-2 page essay or there passion for the wine/beverage industry
- Submit proof of your financial aid award for current school year
- Provide proof of transcript
The two-year-old nonprofit has awarded 144 scholarships to date and invites past recipients to apply as they needed additional support. This year alone, scholars were invited to take part in the first annual wine auction, hosted in partnership with Zachys, which raised a massive $400K for the cause. In addition, scholars have participated in learning trips to France and South Africa.
About The Roots Fund
The Roots Fund is a non-profit organization focused on securing the pathway for the BIPOC community in wine. Built to create financial support for education, mentorship, and job placement opportunities, The Roots Fund is out “doing the work,” to create inclusivity for communities of color in the wine industry. Since its foundation in 2020, they have raised over $1 million and created 144 scholarships that will bring years of change and equity into the wine industry. For more information and to learn how you can help, visit www.therootsfund.org.
