Robert Alexander Scott Scholarship

Honoring Robert Alexander Scott

The Robert Alexander Scott Scholarship Fund celebrates the life and memory of a father, son, wine industry colleague and beloved friend to many. Though “Alex” (as he was known) was a Californian by birth, he studied at Tulane University in New Orleans and spent time in his college years in both Cuba and Argentina. He remained drawn to Latin America for the rest of his life and spoke fluent Spanish and Portuguese. He also earned an MBA while in New Orleans. Upon joining Scott Laboratories Inc. in 2005 Alex was particularly involved in the company’s outreach to the Mexican industry and was committed to offering technical resources and support. As regards California, Alex also was concerned that the US industry needed to commit itself to improving the possibilities for its workers, be they in the cellar or the vineyards. In particular, he wanted to help the many first and second generation employees move up the ladder. This fund reflects Alex’s dedication and direction in nurturing the growth of the next generation of winery and wine industry leaders from all backgrounds.

Who’s Eligible?

The scholarship is geared toward individuals seeking skills that will allow them to advance above entry-level positions in viticulture and enology.

• Current vineyard or winery employees with entry-level positions or positions where the employee does not supervise other employees
• The spouses/partners and children of individuals who are current employees of a vineyard or a winery in entry level positions or positions where the employee does not supervise other employees

All Applicants Must:

• Demonstrate eligibility to one of the following options:
  1. Be enrolled or planning to enroll in courses toward the completion of an associate degree in enology or viticulture at Napa Valley College, Santa Rosa Junior College, Alan Hancock College, Cuesta College, Walla Walla Community College or Umpqua Community College
  2. Transferred to Cal Poly or be accepted for enrollment and planning to transfer to Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo from one of the six colleges mentioned above to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Wine and Viticulture. Transfer students currently enrolled at Cal Poly at San Luis Obispo must demonstrate completion of a certificate or an associates degree in viticulture or enology from their community college.
• Provide proof of current employment for themselves, their spouse or their parent at a winery, vineyard or vineyard management company (Download a PDF of the requirements for the proof of employment letter)
• Be in good academic standing with the school attended most recently
• Have a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 2.5
• Demonstrate financial need
• Be planning to attend classes full or part-time

Award Amount:

$6,000-$10,000 per year ($3,000-$5,000 per semester)

Application Requirements:

• Completed online application
• Four short responses in response to the following questions (250 words or less):

1. Why have you chosen to pursue a certificate or degree in viticulture and/or enology? Tell us about your experience working in the wine or grape growing industry, if any.
2. What are your career aspirations? What do you hope to be doing in five years?
3. What would this scholarship award mean to you?

• A copy of your most recent unofficial transcript — if applicable
• One letter of recommendation from a teacher/professor, counselor, school administrator, employer or supervisor

APPLY NOW
Download a PDF of the Guidelines & Application Requirements (English & Spanish)
Download a PDF Flyer for this Scholarship to share

Contact Us

For questions regarding scholarships, contact Lupe Reyes or Jessica Rodriguez at (707) 254-9565 or scholarships@napavalleycf.org

Si tiene preguntas o necesita ayuda en español sobre las becas, llame a Lupe Reyes o Jessica Rodriguez al número (707) 254-9565 o mándenos un correo electrónico a scholarships@napavalleycf.org