Empowering Diversity in Brewing & Distilling: The Michael James Jackson Foundation's Latest Scholarships
The Michael James Jackson Foundation for Brewing & Distilling (the MJF) has recently announced a new set of technical education scholarships for individuals of color, including two members of Oregon's brewing community. This marks the 10th round of scholarships awarded by the MJF, with seven emerging professionals selected to receive support. The foundation has now assisted over 70 awardees in accessing top-tier brewing and distilling education.
Among the recipients are Dashawn Agbonze from Von Ebert Brewing and Alexis Chanes from pFriem Family Brewers in Oregon, who have been recognized for their contributions to the industry. The MJF scholarships aim to empower recipients to take on production leadership roles, enhance quality standards, and contribute to the growth and diversity of the craft beer and spirits industries.
The selected individuals will have the opportunity to pursue renowned brewing and distilling education programs worldwide. Each awardee was chosen based on their passion, technical curiosity, and dedication to advancing the industry in the long term. The MJF Scholarship Review Panel carefully selected these individuals to ensure they bring valuable skills and perspectives to the industry.
Garrett Oliver, the Founder and Chair of The Michael James Jackson Foundation, expressed pride in reaching this milestone with the tenth cohort of scholarship recipients. He emphasized the importance of investing in technical education to benefit the beer and spirits community as a whole. The foundation's efforts aim to enhance product quality, foster innovation, and cultivate leadership within the industry.
Since its establishment in 2020, The Michael James Jackson Foundation has been dedicated to promoting access to professional-level education for people of color in the craft beverage sector. Through its scholarship programs and support for over 70 awardees, the foundation is working towards creating a more diverse and skilled workforce. This initiative is crucial for the long-term success and creativity of breweries and distilleries nationwide.
The impact of The Michael James Jackson Foundation is made possible by the contributions of donors, industry partners, and a shared commitment to fostering inclusivity and opportunity in the craft beverage community. The foundation believes that a more diverse production community will lead to a more expansive consumer base, ultimately benefiting the industry as a whole.
The Michael James Jackson Foundation for Brewing & Distilling is a nonprofit organization that provides technical education scholarships to individuals of color in the brewing and distilling trades. Established in 2020 in honor of the renowned beer and spirits writer Michael Jackson, the foundation is dedicated to driving lasting change by supporting technical education and professional development for underrepresented individuals in these industries. To learn more about the foundation and its initiatives, visit their website.