The U.S is going through harsh political awakening even as the COVID-19 pandemic rages on. Since the death of George Floyd in May, several protests have sparked across the globe, highlighting police brutality and systemic racial oppression. In view of all this, many businesses have stepped up to show their support. The most recent is Station Brewing 26, who’s offering craft beer scholarship to the underrepresented.
According to the 2019 survey by Brewery Operations, craft beer producers and consumers are disproportionately Caucasians. Craft brewery employees were estimated to be 72.6% Caucasians, while the production staffers and brewers accounted for 89% of all white individuals.
This is not just the case with the beer industry; several other businesses are dominated by white people. To rectify this inequality, many industries are seeing rising movements dedicated to doing the same.
Read: Minority Brewers Get a Scholarship Fund in Their Name Instituted By Garrett Oliver
Many Industries Working Towards Forming A More Inclusive And Diverse Community
One such initiative in the beer industry is the introduction of Black Is Beautiful beer. Another one is the formation of the Michael Jackson Foundation that’s giving out scholarships to Black students. In a similar light, Denver’s Station 26 Brewing Co. has introduced its Craft Beer Scholarship program to promote diversity.
Station 26 has collaborated with Regis University. The program will financially assist deserving minority students in the Applied Craft Brewing Certificate course. It is an 18-month Certificate program at Jesuit University.
Craft Beer ScholarshipMarketing and events manager Hamlet Fort from Station 26 said that the company felt it was only right to take some action to bring about equality. He mentioned George Floyd, Elijah McClain, and Breonna Taylor, and said that the company spent hours discussing the issue and brainstorming ideas to bring some change. He further said that, with diversity, the beer industry will have greater engagement, creativity, and job formation.
Craft Beer Scholarship: $10,000 To Be Donated And $50,000 To Be Crowdfunded
A total of $10,000 will be contributed by Station 26 for the Craft Beer Scholarship program. They further plan to raise a minimum fund of $50,000 for the program’s longevity. If successful, the total amount will be invested, allowing the program to continue forever. It will support an excellent minority student year after year.
In their website, Station 26 states that the beer industry is a big one and is working towards bringing diversity and inclusivity. The You For All Diversity In Craft Beer Scholarship aims to diversify the craft Brewing community in Colorado, and possibly across the U.S. Visit their website to help them bring this much-needed change.
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