Nearest Green Scholarship Award for Distilling

Funder: The Michael James Jackson Foundation for Brewing & Distilling

Full-ride technical education scholarship honoring Nearest Green (1820-1890?), the first "head stiller" (now known as "master distiller") of Jack Daniel's Distillery. Green was born into slavery in Tennessee and was enslaved by preacher and distiller Dan Call. Recognized for his expertise by Call, Green trained Jack Daniel in distillation. After emancipation in 1865, he continued working for the distillery. In 2017, he was formally acknowledged as Jack Daniel's first master distiller. Seven successive generations of his descendants have continued to work for the distillery.

Geographic Scope

• Primary: United States and territories
• International: Overseas programs accepted (tuition only; additional expenses are awardee's responsibility)

Eligibility

• Target: Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) in distilling industry
• Requirements: Minimum entry-level experience in distilling
• Citizenship: U.S. citizens, U.S. territories residents, or U.S. Permanent Residents (Green Card holders)

Approved Programs

Approved distilling education programs include:

• Siebel Institute of Technology advanced and intermediate-level courses
• UC Davis Food Science programs
• Heriot-Watt University Institute of Brewing and Distilling
• Niagara College Artisan Distilling Program
• University of the Sciences
• Brewing and Distilling Center Certificate in Professional Brewing and Distilling Technology
• Other accredited overseas distilling courses (tuition funding only)

Impact

As of October 2024, The MJF has awarded 50+ technical education scholarships. Recipients have advanced to positions including master distillers, board members of industry non-profits, and other leadership roles. The most recent cohort (October 2024) includes recipients pursuing Master Distiller and professional distilling certifications.

Funding Partners

Allagash, Athletic Brewing, Bell's Brewing, Brooklyn Brewery, BSG Craftbrewing, Human Robot Brewing, John I. Haas, Lallemand, Lawson's Finest Liquids, NC Rare & Vintage Beer Tasting, New Belgium Brewing, Pinhook Bourbon, ProBrewer, Rahr Malting Co., Red Wagon Calagione Family Foundation, Rhinegeist Brewery, Russian River Brewing, Siebel Institute of Technology, Yakima Chief Hops

Contact

Email List: Available to join for notification when application window opens

Application Process

Current Status: Application window is currently closed as of April 3, 2026. Applicants should join the email list for notification when the next period opens.

Required Materials & Steps

1. Entry-level Experience Requirement: All applicants must have at least entry-level experience in distilling
2. Program Selection: Choose from approved MJF courses or request approval for unlisted programs
3. Application Form: Submit through the application portal (when open)
4. Letters of Recommendation: Encouraged from employers or organizations

Application Frequency

Applications are accepted on a semi-annual basis (twice per year)

Support from Organizations

• Employers and organizations are strongly encouraged to submit letters of recommendation
• Organizations can support by providing PTO for in-person training or offering in-house mentorship

Eligibility Confirmation

• Must be U.S. citizen, U.S. territories resident, or U.S. Permanent Resident
• Minimum entry-level distilling experience required