Brewing Up an Industry as Diverse as the Beers We Love

Funding supports diversity-focused scholarships in one of UC Davis’ most distinguished fields – Brewing 

Hazy IPAs, pale ales, sours, lagers… there are hundreds of different types of beer, with new tastes, combinations and hybrids being created every day. And it’s beautiful.

But the diversity we love in the beers we drink isn’t always reflected in the brewing industry itself. There are many underrepresented populations in the brewing field.  For example, fifty-one percent of the U.S. is female, but according to a recent survey by the Brewers Association, less than 8% of brewers are women. Similarly, 38% of the country - but less than 11% of brewers – are people of color.  And many people with diverse sexual orientations and disabilities are also not represented in this field.

There’s room in brewing for a broader range of people, perspectives and experiences and, by educating a more diverse pool of brewers, UC Davis will help make that happen.

Now in its second year, the UC Davis Tapping Potential program seeks $30,000 to fund at least one diversity-focused, full-ride scholarship to the prestigious UC Davis Online Master Brewers Certificate Program and related online courses. Last year, with generous support from breweries, hops growers and beer lovers, we raised more than $21,000. With your help, this year we can do more.

The UC Davis Tapping Potential Fund provides scholarship funding, enhanced programming, and support to help deserving students increase their skills in brewing. Our current top priority is scholarships that give students around the world access to the incredible expertise of UC Davis brewing. Scholarships cover all tuition, books and materials.

Scholarships are available to students who are committed to diversity, have experience and/or understanding of the barriers traditionally faced by people from underrepresented populations and demonstrate a high potential for leadership in promoting understanding of diverse groups in the brewing industry.

By supporting this campaign, you are giving students the opportunity to:

•     Learn how to manage all aspects of a world-class professional brewing operation, from ingredient selection to fermentation to bottling
•     Design a brewery, including equipment selection, installation and evaluation of production processes
•     Learn from (and be mentored by) the world’s most knowledgeable brewing instructors – the faculty of UC Davis!
•     Network with experts, brewery owners and the future leaders of the industry
•     Launch their career as a brewer (graduates of this program are highly sought by breweries)
•     Tap the potential – Inspire the next generation of brewers as they advance their career

Re-shaping an industry takes time, but education and the lifetime of opportunities it represents is the first step. By contributing you help an individual brewer and the industry we are all so passionate about.

As last year’s winner, Mariana da Silva Schneider, said, “You’ve changed my life. The goal to change the industry is absolutely amazing, but you’re also changing lives along the way. You are helping build the roads to people’s dreams - in more ways than you can imagine.” Mariana is starting her own beer brand. And with the help of Global Ladies of Wort, a diversity-based group Mariana founded, she brewed a limited edition pale ale which benefited the UC Davis Tapping Potential program.

For more information, contact Jon Hughes, Director of Brewing and Sensory Science, UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education.