MICHAEL JAMES JACKSON FOUNDATION FOR logo

Sir Geoff Palmer Scholarship Award for Brewing

MICHAEL JAMES JACKSON FOUNDATION FOR

Funding Amount

Full tuition and course materials

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Sir Geoff Palmer Scholarship Award for Brewing

Funder: The Michael James Jackson Foundation for Brewing & Distilling
Website: themjf.org
Status: Active (application window currently closed as of 2026-04-03)

Overview

Full-ride technical education scholarship honoring Sir Geoff Palmer, the first Black professor in Scotland and Professor Emeritus of Heriot-Watt University. Palmer received the ASBC Award of Distinction in 1998, often referred to as the "Nobel Prize of Brewing." The scholarship provides full funding for tuition and course materials.

    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 brewing industry
  • Requirements: Minimum entry-level experience in brewing
  • Citizenship: U.S. citizens, U.S. territories residents, or U.S. Permanent Residents (Green Card holders)

    Approved Programs

    MBBA, American Brewers Guild, UC Davis, Siebel Institute of Technology, and other leading institutions including:
  • Kalamazoo Valley Community College AAS Sustainable Brewing
  • KU Leuven Postgraduate Program in Malting & Brewing Sciences
  • Kwantlen Polytechnic University Brewing and Brewery Operations Diploma
  • Master Brewer Academy Professional Brewer Training
  • Master Brewers Association of the Americas courses
  • Niagara College Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management Program
  • Sacred Heart University Brewing Science Program
  • UC Davis Food Science Brewing Master Brewers Certificate Program
  • UC San Diego Extension Professional Certificate in Brewing
  • VLB Berlin Certified Brewmaster Course
  • American Brewers Guild courses
  • Appalachian State University Fermentation Sciences Summer Brewing Short Course
  • Auburn University Brewing Science Certificate Course
  • Brewing and Distilling Center Certificate in Professional Brewing and Distilling Technology
  • Central Michigan University Fermentation Science
  • Central New Mexico Community College Brewing Technology
  • Central Washington University Brewing Program
  • Heriot-Watt University Institute of Brewing and Distilling

Impact

As of October 2024, The MJF has awarded 50+ technical education scholarships. Recipients have advanced to positions including head brewers, board members of industry non-profits, and other leadership roles.

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

Website: themjf.org Email List: Available to join for notification when application window opens

How to Apply

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 brewing
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 brewing experience required

Focus Areas & Funding Uses

Fields of Work

bipocprofessional-development

Categories

Browse similar grants by category

Related Grants

Similar grants from this funder and related organizations

Ready to apply for Sir Geoff Palmer Scholarship Award for Brewing?

Grantable helps you assess fit, draft narratives, and track deadlines — so you can submit stronger applications, faster.