When Andy Romo enrolled in Walla Walla Community College’s Enology & Viticulture program in 2021, he brought nearly two decades of experience—and a determination to earn the credentials he needed to advance further. “I was already working in the wine industry before going to school, but didn’t have an educational certificate, and felt like I needed it,” Andy explains.
“This is my 17th year in the industry—it’s a lot of time, but being Hispanic it’s difficult being validated for what I know,” Andy shares. After being laid off, he struggled to find work that matched his skills: “I was out sharing resumes, but people didn’t know me. People would say, ‘our fieldworkers/crew is full.’”
Getting back into the classroom wasn’t easy—he paused for harvest and returned the next year. “Getting the degree has definitely made a difference. I got to meet a lot of people, and now I have my own business.”
Today, Andy works as a contractor, taking on consulting jobs that range from topping, blending, and lab work to full-scale winemaking. “Right now, I’m working in a bulk and custom crush facility,” he says.
A Scholarship That Opened Doors
Andy learned about Napa Valley Community Foundation’s Robert Alexander Scott Scholarship from a professor. “It felt like a longshot—I didn’t feel validated before this—but thought, ‘I’ll give it a shot,’ and my professor wrote a letter of recommendation.”
When the award came through, Andy was stunned. “It was crazy, I was like, no way! I told my professor, and he was so sure that I would get it. Getting the scholarship meant I could finish school—and that people believed in me. There was no plan B.”
His scholarship covered tuition and tools like work boots. “I have two kids, two boys—they require a lot,” shares Andy. “Getting the scholarship meant I could focus on my schoolwork and get it done rather than worrying about how I could afford it. If it wasn’t for the financial help, I would have had to drop out.”
Building a Future
After starting part-time, Andy now runs the lab with an assistant. “From the beginning, I told them, ‘I could do this or that—just let me know.’ Today, I’m the enologist.”
He also continues to grow his consulting work—and even counts his former professor as one of his clients.
Looking back, Andy credits the scholarship for giving him both the financial breathing room and the confidence to keep going. “Without this support, I wouldn’t be where I am right now. That was a savior, I want to express a huge thank you.”
Honoring Robert Alexander Scott
The Robert Alexander Scott Scholarship honors the life of Alex Scott—a father, son, wine industry colleague, and friend. A Californian by birth, Alex’s passion for learning and culture took him to Tulane University and later to Cuba and Argentina. Fluent in Spanish and Portuguese, he stayed deeply connected to Latin America throughout his life.
This scholarship reflects Alex’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of wine industry leaders and continues his legacy by empowering hardworking individuals, like Andy, to advance their education and careers.
Learn more and Apply
Applications for this scholarship are accepted at any time throughout the year, but funding is first-come, first served. Learn more and apply now.