The California Association of Winegrape Growers Foundation - a 501(c)3 nonprofit public benefit corporation - was established to conduct public education programs, fund scholarships and support research related to the California wine and winegrape industry.
Each year the foundation awards two 4-year scholarships ($8,000 each) to students planning to attend a campus in the University of California or California State University system, and four 2-year scholarships ($2,000 each) to students planning to attend a California community college. The Robert Miller Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a student who resides on the Central Coast and plans to major in enology or viticulture at Allan Hancock College or Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Scholarships are awarded to high school seniors whose parent or legal guardian is employed by a California winegrape grower. The foundation awards at least seven scholarships each year and has awarded $464,500 since its inception in 1998. Over the years the scholarship program has enabled children of California winegrape growers to attend college. Most, if not all, may not have been able to pursue college if not for the financial aid offered by these scholarships.
The scholarship program was started as an expression of gratitude to the employees who help make the winegrape and wine community a special part of California culture. The CAWG Foundation is proud to offer this scholarship program made possible through the generous donations of those in the California wine industry. The foundation is at work for all the people who make the wine industry a part of their lives.
For more information on the scholarship program and to see a video of past winners, please click here.
CAWG Foundation Reception - CANCELLED!
Date: March 18, 2020
Location: The Senator Building, 1121 L Street, Sacramento
Due
to ongoing concerns related to COVID-19, The CAWG Foundation Gala has been cancelled. Several industry organizations are
cancelling their upcoming Sacramento events as well. CDFA’s Ag Day,
which was set for March 18, has
also been cancelled
.
The
COVID-19 situation is fluid and new developments, restrictions or
closures continue to roll out. President Trump addressed the nation last
night and urged a variety of measures, including social
distancing. Gov. Newsom also urged organizations to cancel or postpone
“non-essential” events. SEE COVID-19 RESOURCE LINKS BELOW.
Additionally, the Senate Rules Committee has advised senators and staff to limit in-person interactions. “
Instead
of physical meetings with constituents, lobbyists, advocates and
others, consider offering conference calls or utilizing...alternative
technology platforms
.”
Some
legislators are already refusing face-to-face meetings with the public
and are doing only conference call meetings instead. Yesterday, the Los
Angeles Times questioned how much longer the California State Capitol
will be open for business as usual.
We
thank everyone who volunteered to participate and apologize for any
inconvenience these cancellations may have caused. We look forward to
next year’s events and will communicate future dates once they have been
scheduled.