Change in the Air Festival
In collaboration with Sacred Heart University, Connecticut Brewer’s Guild, and New England Brewing Co.
The Connecticut Brewers Guild African American Brewing Scholarship was established in 2020 to continue the diversity, inclusion and collaborative fundraising efforts of Sacred Heart University, New England Brewing Co., the Connecticut Brewers Guild and the rapidly expanding number of breweries across Connecticut that now number nearly 120. The goal of this new scholarship is to broaden the demographic and culture of the craft beer industry in the state and beyond.
THE CAUSE: A NEED FOR DIVERSITY IN BREWING
The craft beer industry in the United States is a major economic driver representing $83 billion dollars and well over half a million jobs, yet there are less than 5% people of color represented within its ranks. Craft beer is an enormous sector of the American economy and intrinsic to its culture. It is crucial that we collectively do better in helping the industry reflect the actual diversity within American society.
THE MISSION: CT BREWERS GUILD AFRICAN AMERICAN BREWING SCHOLARSHIP AT SACRED HEART UNIVERSITY
This scholarship will advance equity for African Americans and give people of color an opportunity to enter the craft brewing industry with strong training and the skill sets necessary to become successful employees. The brewing science certificate program at SHU gives students an outstanding education in brewing and provides essential hands-on experience. As part of this scholarship, the selected recipients will receive an internship at New England Brewing Co. following completion of the program.
Beer is unique; it can bring people together from different walks of life. The more we can diversify the industry, the better off the industry will be. Expanding the demographics of who is making beer improves the brewing industry immeasurably. It means more opportunities for different types of people to find common ground. It means more opportunities for the channels that sell beer to sell more beer. It means more breweries, more jobs, and an even bigger economic and social impact.
THE EVENT: CHANGE IN THE AIR FESTIVAL
The Change In The Air Festival is a philanthropic fundraising effort to build our scholarship, while simultaneously providing safe, inclusive spaces for all craft beer enthusiasts. SHU’s brewing science certificate program launched in May 2020 and is the only brewing science program in Connecticut. In 2021, the Festival raised almost $10,000 towards scholarships for aspiring black and brown brewers.
$.50 per every bowl of ramen sold during the month of May will be donated directly towards this life-changing scholarship. To learn more, please visit, https://www.changeintheairfest.net/
*You are donating directly towards this scholarship program. Eat Justice receives 0% of the proceeds.