Scholarships for Winery and Vineyard Employees

Napa Valley Community Foundation (NVCF) has established the Robert Alexander Scott Scholarship Fund, which will make its first scholarship awards this year and memorializes Robert Alexander Scott (Alex).  The scholarship is made possible by contributions of the family of Mr. Scott and those of his colleagues at Scott Laboratories. The Petaluma-based Scott Laboratories is a major supplier of goods and services to the North American wine industry.

The scholarship awards will support entry-level or non-supervisory vineyard and winery workers seeking to advance their careers, regardless of county residency.  Scholarships support study toward a certificate or an associate degree in viticulture or enology at one of the following colleges: Napa Valley College, Santa Rosa Junior College, Allan Hancock College, Cuesta College, Walla Walla Community College or Umpqua Community College.  Children and spouses/partners of eligible employees may also apply.

“Alex worked at Scott Laboratories from 2005 until his death in 2021. During his career, Alex developed a concern that the industry should commit itself to the welfare of those who work in it.  In particular, he wanted to help people to help themselves move up the ladder,” noted his father, Bruce Scott.

Obtaining some formal education is key to advancing your career, explained Gustavo Avina, “Receiving my viticulture certification from Napa Valley College was an important step in my career. When I began, I was a regular vineyard worker and now I am the Viticulture Director for Pine Ridge Vineyards. Education is very important if you want a better position at work.”

Ellen Drayton, who oversees scholarships at Napa Valley Community Foundation, added, “We are very excited about the opportunities that the Robert Alexander Scott scholarship affords our hardworking wine industry employees. Our scholarship portfolio, which is the largest in the Valley, is growing each year to include more vocational training opportunities to boost our local workforce.”

The Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation is assisting NVCF with its efforts to get the scholarship in front of as many eligible workers as possible. The Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation was founded on the principle that education is fundamental to success: it is limitless; provides a high return on investment; and once attained, can never be taken away. The Robert Alexander Scott Scholarship puts opportunity within reach for farmworkers and their families.” said Sonya DeLuca, Farmworker Foundation Interim Executive Director.

​The deadline to apply for the Robert Alexander Scott Scholarship is March 6, 2023, apply at https://bit.ly/ScottScholarship.