Why was the Glancy Wine Education Foundation created?

The Glancy Wine Education Foundation was inspired by San Francisco Wine School’s vision that every motivated and engaged student should have access to high-quality, professional education in his or her trade. The Foundation established a scholarship fund to assist disadvantaged and minority communities with scholarships to further their professional wine education in the hopes of increasing diversity and raising earning power. Unfortunately, many jobs in hospitality and the wine industry pay well below equivalent positions in other industries, and those truly passionate about their field cannot afford the education they need to begin or advance their careers. 97% of our scholarship applicants earn less than the "living wage” threshold in our community, and 30% of San Francisco Wine School students are unemployed at the time they take classes.

Increasing demand for scholarships reveals that the need is much greater than expected.

In 2022 the GWEF awarded nearly $75,000 in scholarships to more than 50 students. View profiles of some of the previous scholarship recipients.

What is the source of scholarship funds?

Scholarship funds are generated from fundraising activities by the Glancy Wine Education Foundation. The primary source of funds are donations and other revenue generated by the Foundation’s anniversary celebration and scholarship auction. The Foundation hosts other events and activities to raise additional donations throughout the year. These generous donations support financially challenged students in the wine and hospitality community who are eager to focus on their education and career development.

How can I support scholarships?

Anyone can support the next generation of wine professionals by making a tax-deductible donation to the Glancy Wine Education Foundation. In an effort to expand the support of a growing student body, the Foundation provides dedicated scholarships funded by organizations and companies who value formal education in the hospitality and food and wine industry. If you are interested in becoming a major donor or corporate sponsor or offering any kind of financial support for our efforts, please contact us.

Who is eligible for scholarships?

The Glancy Wine Education Foundation provides scholarships to students demonstrating economic need and a desire to start or advance a career in the wine or hospitality industry using certifications offered at San Francisco Wine School. In the past, applicants have demonstrated economic need resulting from unemployment or underemployed due to restaurant closures, the COVID pandemic, and California wildfires.

Applicants to the Glancy Wine Education Foundation must plan to enroll in an eligible course of study provided at San Francisco Wine School (including courses for certification conferred by San Francisco Wine School, Society of Wine Educators, Wine Scholar Guild, or Wine & Spirit Education Trust by Grape Experience) in the six months following the award. Scholarship recipients must be 21 years or older on the day the coursework begins. All students are responsible for the costs of shipping wine samples to their location, as well as any necessary travel expenses to attend in-person examinations, should their course of study require them.

What do scholarships cover?

Scholarships are awarded on a sliding scale based upon financial hardship, income, and career and educational goals. Scholarship awards have ranged from $695 to $5,000 per student. Scholarships typically cover between 60 and 90% of costs for professional education and certification programs at San Francisco Wine School identified by scholarship applicants. Program costs typically include initial test and certification costs, but do not cover the cost of shipping wine samples to non-local students. Scholarships do not cover the costs of re-taking exams in the event that students fail to earn a passing score. Full scholarships covering 100% of course costs (but not wine shipping or travel costs) may be granted in the case of extreme economic need.

When can I apply? How do I apply?

Applications are accepted year-round, and completed applications are evaluated within two to four weeks of receipt by the Glancy Wine Education Foundation’s board of directors. Students may apply for multiple awards as the new rolling application process allows for students to apply for a single course as well as multiple courses within a six-month period. Interested students are encouraged to fill out and submit an application form. All sections of the application must be completed in order to be considered for an award.

When will scholarship recipients be notified that they have been granted a scholarship?

Scholarship recipients and the San Francisco Wine School will be notified as awards are made, typically on a monthly basis. This means that if you have applied recently, it may take up to 30 days for you to hear a response. We notify all applicants (including those to whom we do not award scholarships) by e-mail.

If awarded a scholarship when do I have to take a class?

Once notified of awards, scholarship recipients will be able to register for courses identified in their applications at the San Francisco Wine School. Scholarship recipients must pay the balance of course fees not covered by the scholarship at the time of registration. Ideally, students will register as soon as possible for the courses included in their applications.

Scholarship funds must be used within six months of the award date. Failure to register, complete or pass a certification program may result in cancellation of remaining scholarship funds and may impact future eligibility. Awards are not renewable; however, students may reapply for scholarships.