Sonoma State University
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Wine Industry Excellence Scholarship


Wine Business Institute (WBI) Inclusive Excellence Scholarships

Academic Year 2025 - 2026

The Inclusive Excellence Scholarship Program is committed to fostering a more diverse and inclusive wine industry by supporting a broad range of scholars, including women and individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds. Current and incoming students are encouraged to apply for the current scholarship opportunities. Read the scholarship criteria carefully and apply for those where you feel the best fit and qualifications.

Application requirements:

  • Students who are currently in or planning a wine industry career.
  • Students who will be pursuing their studies during the 25-26 academic year.

To apply:

  • Complete the Wine Business Institute (WBI) Scholarship Online Form 
  • If you have any questions, please email stb@sonoma.edu.
  • No other application materials are necessary.
  • Deadline to receive applications is Sunday, March 30, 2025.
  • Awards will be announced on Tuesday, April 8, 2025.

 

WBI Scholarship Application

 

Kistler Inclusive Excellence Program (KIEP) 

The Kistler Inclusive Excellence Program Fund (“Fund”) is intended to build diversity in the wine industry, bringing awareness and providing financial assistance to students from underrepresented populations who are pursuing or planning to pursue a career in the wine industry.

Applicants for this scholarship will demonstrate through their essay recent achievements or professional goals related to any of the following values and priorities of the School of Business: 

  • Diversity and Social Justice
  • Sustainability and Environmental Inquiry
  • Connectivity and Community Engagement
  • Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Scholarships will provide up to $5,000 annually for up to four years (up to $20,000 total).

Fourth-year scholars will complete an internship with Kistler Vineyards (or other firm pertinent to the wine industry as agreed upon by SSU/Kistler).

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Students must be at the undergraduate level and enrolled full time at Sonoma State University
  • Applicants must have a minimum overall 3.0 GPA in their last 60 units of coursework. (GPA will be verified through Sonoma State University's Admissions and Records Office.)
  • Applicants are required to submit an essay and a resume.
  • Formal admission to SSU is not required to apply however all applicants must submit their online university application via Cal State Apply before applying for scholarships.

The Patrick Foley Inclusive Excellence Program

The Patrick Foley Inclusive Excellence Program is intended to build diversity in the wine industry, bringing awareness and providing financial assistance to students from underrepresented populations who are pursuing or planning to pursue a career in the wine industry.

  • Scholarships will provide up to $15,000 annually for up to four years (up to $60,000 total).
  • Scholars will take advantage of at least one wine industry internship experience.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Transfer students are also eligible.
  • Students must be enrolled full-time at Sonoma State University and taking coursework in SSU’s graduate or undergraduate Wine Business programs. Students must demonstrate an academic focus on preparing for a career in the wine industry.
  • Scholars must maintain a four-year graduation track at a minimum 2.5 GPA (GPA will be verified through Sonoma State University's Admissions and Records Office.
  • Formal admission to SSU is not required to apply however all applicants must submit their online university application via Cal State Apply before applying for scholarships.

The Association of African American Vintners (AAAV) Wine Business Scholarship

The Association of African American Vintners (AAAV) Wine Business Scholarship serves to build diversity in the wine industry, bring awareness to present-day Black winemakers, and provide financial assistance to students from an underrepresented population pursuing a career in the wine industry.

Applicants through their essay will demonstrate professional goals in the wine industry, how they will improve diversity in the wine industry, and a desire to help others reach their goals as they advance their own careers.

The amount of the scholarship award will be up to $2,450 to pay for tuition

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must be a junior or senior or graduate student at Sonoma State University pursuing a B.S. or MBA degree in Business Administration with a concentration in wine business.
  • Applicants must participate in one of the Black Student Success Initiatives at Sonoma State, such as the Black Student Union or the Male Success Initiative.
  • Must possess a minimum GPA of 3.0.
  • Must be a member of an underrepresented population.
  • Must demonstrate an interest in the wine industry as a career.

The Charles Woodson & O'Neill Family Wine Scholarship Award 

The Charles Woodson & O’Neill Family Wine Scholarship aims to recruit and retain high-achieving underrepresented students interested in pursuing a career in the wine industry. The scholarship will be available to a student enrolled at or accepted at Sonoma State.

Applicants for this scholarship will demonstrate through their essay thoughtful professional goals in the wine industry, challenges that they have faced as a member of an underrepresented population, insight into the challenges of underrepresented populations in the wine industry, and a desire to help others reach their goals as they advance in their career.

Formal admission to SSU is not required to apply. The scholarship will cover up to 100% of the tuition and room and board to support the recipient over their entire college career. O’Neill Vintners & Distillers will provide internships and mentoring to offer hands-on learning opportunities for scholarship recipients to enhance their college experience in the wine industry.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Applicants must be a continuing student or a new degree-seeking undergraduate student who has applied for admission and is planning to attend SSU full-time.
  • Applicants must participate in one of the Black Student Success Initiatives at Sonoma State, such as the Black Student Union or the Male Success Initiative. Incoming freshmen must currently be participating in similar programs at their high school.
  • Applicants must have a minimum overall 2.5 GPA in his/her/their high school (if a first-time freshman) or college-level coursework (if a current college student). (GPA will be verified through Sonoma State University's Admissions and Records Office.)
  • Applicants will only be considered whose demonstrated intent is to earn a B.S. degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Wine Business Strategies in the School of Business.
  • Applicants are required to submit an essay and a resume.