Why was the Glancy Wine Education Foundation created?

The Glancy Wine Education Foundation was inspired by Master Sommelier David Glancy’s vision that every motivated and engaged student should have access to high-quality, professional education in his or her trade. The Foundation raises and maintains a scholarship fund to assist disadvantaged and minority communities across the country with scholarships to further their professional wine education in the hopes of increasing diversity and raising earning power.

Unfortunately, many jobs in hospitality and the wine industry pay well below equivalent positions in other industries, and those truly passionate about their field cannot afford the education they need to begin or advance their careers. 97% of our scholarship applicants earn less than the "living wage” threshold in their communities, and as many as 30% of our applicants are unemployed at the time they take classes.

Since our inception, GWEF has awarded more than $300,000 in scholarships to more than 200 students. View the profiles of some of the previous scholarship recipients.

What is the source of scholarship funds?

Scholarship funds are generated from fundraising activities by the Glancy Wine Education Foundation, including events, silent auctions, and corporate and private donations. These generous donations support financially challenged students in the wine and hospitality community who are eager to focus on their education and career development.

How can I support scholarships?

Anyone can support the next generation of American wine professionals by making a tax-deductible donation to the Glancy Wine Education Foundation. In an effort to expand the support of a growing student body, the Foundation provides dedicated scholarships funded by organizations and companies that value formal education in the hospitality and food/wine industry. If you are interested in becoming a major donor or corporate sponsor or offering any kind of financial support for our efforts, please contact us.

Who is eligible for scholarships?

The Glancy Wine Education Foundation provides scholarships to students demonstrating economic need and a desire to start or advance a career in the wine or hospitality industry nationwide. In the past, applicants have demonstrated economic need resulting from unemployment or underemployed due to restaurant closures, the COVID pandemic, and California wildfires, but students do not need to be victims of extraordinary circumstances in order to qualify for scholarships.

Applicants to the Glancy Wine Education Foundation must plan to enroll in an eligible course of study at either the San Francisco Wine School in California, the International Wine Center in New York, or the American Wine School in Chicago and several Midwest locations during the six months following the award. Scholarship recipients must be 21 years or older on the day the coursework begins. All students are responsible for the costs of shipping wine samples to their location, as well as any necessary travel expenses to attend any in-person examinations, should their course of study require them.

Which courses are eligible for scholarships?

At the San Francisco Wine School, most multi-day courses and programs, both online and in-person, are eligible for scholarship awards, including WSET, WSG, SWE, and other multi-level certifications up to and including WSET Level 3, as well as the school’s many proprietary courses. Single-day seminars and events are not eligible.

At the International Wine Center, scholarships are available for WSET Wine Certification levels 1 to 3, both online and in-person.

At the American Wine School scholarships are available for WSET Wine Certification levels 1 to 3, both online and in-person.

What do scholarships cover?

Scholarships are awarded on a sliding scale based on financial hardship, income, and career and educational goals. Scholarship awards have ranged from $695 to $5,000 per student. Scholarships typically cover between 60 and 90% of program costs. Program costs typically include initial test and certification costs, but do not cover the cost of shipping wine samples to non-local students. Scholarships do not cover the costs of re-taking exams in the event that students fail to earn a passing score. Full scholarships covering 100% of course costs (but not wine shipping or travel costs) may be granted in the case of extreme economic need.

When can I apply? How do I apply?

Applications are accepted year-round, and completed applications are evaluated within two to four weeks of receipt by the Glancy Wine Education Foundation’s board of directors. Interested students are encouraged to fill out and submit an application form. All sections of the application must be completed in order to be considered for an award.

When will scholarship recipients be notified that they have been granted a scholarship?

Scholarship recipients and the school to which they have applied will be notified as awards are made, typically on a monthly basis. This means that if you have applied recently, it may take up to 30-45 days for you to hear a response. We notify all applicants (including those to whom we do not award scholarships) by e-mail.

If awarded a scholarship when do I have to take a class?

Once notified of awards, scholarship recipients will be able to register for their selected courses at the respective school website or by phone. Scholarship recipients must pay the balance of course fees not covered by the scholarship at the time of registration. Ideally, students will register as soon as possible for the courses included in their applications.

Scholarship funds must be used within six months of the award date. Failure to register, complete, or pass a certification program may result in the cancellation of remaining scholarship funds and may impact future eligibility. Awards are not renewable; however, students may reapply for scholarships.