The Michael James Jackson Foundation for Brewing & Distilling (The MJF) is proud to announce its latest cohort of awardees, as well as the release of its first Impact Report, showcasing the foundation’s significant contributions toward lowering financial barriers to technical education for people of color within the brewing and distilling industries.
As the Impact Report shows, since its inception, The MJF has awarded 58 individuals with scholarships, distributing $507,214 in funding directly to tuition and learning materials at accredited institutions for its awardees.
The Impact Report also highlights The MJF’s operational growth since its founding, from creating a strong and dynamic board of directors to hiring a director of operations to improve the organization’s efficacy. A special highlight is the awards and recognitions the organization has received based on its success in helping diversify the industry.
The MJF was honored with two notable awards this past year as the organization received the “Cause of the Year Award” from Brewbound and the “Nonprofit of the Year Award” from VinePair, both recognizing the tangible effect The MJF has had upon the industry.
“While there are many paths to great careers in brewing and distilling, formal education can be critical. We are proud of the work we have done to bring this level of expertise to a broader community. If this industry is to grow, we need everybody on board, both as producers and as customers”, said Garrett Oliver, founder and president of The MJF. “This Impact Report is a testament to the hard work of our awardees, the generosity of our supporters, and the collective effort to create a more diverse industry. We gain momentum every year, and I can’t wait to see what The MJF and its awardees will accomplish in 2025 and beyond.”
The 2025 Impact Report was released in conjunction with the announcement of The MJF’s eighth cohort of scholarship awardees.
The MJF awards two cohorts per year, granting full-ride scholarships for technical education in brewing and distilling industries to people of color. Funding is achieved through the generosity and vision of industry leaders who step up to support The MJF’s mission. Each year, businesses like Athletic Brewing, Lallemand Brewing, Pinhook Bourbon, Brooklyn Brewery, ProBrewer, and many more donate to The MJF, equipping awardees with the skills necessary to build successful careers and help change the face of the brewing and distilling industry.
The eighth cohort of scholarship award winners are:
- Stefano Annicchiarico, Fast Fashion Brewing, will attend the Master Brewers Association’s Brewery Maintenance Systems course
- Josie Becker, Austin Beerworks, will attend UC Davis Master Brewers Certificate Program.
- Jeremiah Campbell of False Idol Brewing, will attend Siebel Institute of Technology’s Distilling Course.
- Hannah Ferguson, D.O.P.E Brands LLC, will attend the Brewing & Distilling Center.
- Ophelia Flores-Carr, Big Grove Brewery, will attend the American Brewers Guild Intensive Brewing Science and Engineering program.
- Bobby Ford, Wild Turkey Distillery, will attend the Institute of Brewing and Distilling.
- Esan Guerin, Green Bench Brewing, will attend UC Davis Master Brewers Certificate Program.
To read the full 2025 Impact Report, click here. To learn more about The MJF and to donate to the 2025 annual matching funding drive, visit https://givebutter.com/qIV12J.
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