Napa Valley College Foundation

Supporting the Future of Viticulture and Wine Education

BY ELIZABETH SMITH

The Napa Valley College Foundation is committed to helping the most vulnerable students stay in school and earn their degrees. During the 2020-21 academic year, the Foundation awarded more than $205,000 in scholarships to over 133 students, including college-bound high school students. It rewarded student achievement, encouraged leadership, and provided financial support.

With the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Foundation assisted students who were in the most need of support and raised funds to cover unplanned financial expenses related to housing, lost wages, technology, groceries, and more. “Last year brought much uncertainty for me. However, I received two scholarships that are helping to cover my living expenses, so I can continue with my physics major and path to transfer to a four-year university,” said Aisha Burns, scholarship recipient.

“The Foundation’s mission is to provide every student with access to the resources they need for an exceptional educational experience. We link students with the community, providing for them and empowering them to succeed,” said Jessica Thomason, Executive Director, Napa Valley College Foundation.

In addition to scholarships and emergency aid, the Foundation raises funds for other College programs and campaigns. Recently the Foundation coordinated a $10 million gift from The Wine Spectator Scholarship Foundation to construct new facilities named ‘The Wine Spectator Wine Education Complex’ for the College’s Viticulture, Wine and Technology (VWT) program.

The Wine Spectator Wine Education Complex will include a new state-of-the-art sensory classroom and conversion of an existing classroom into a modern wine laboratory. Additionally, an existing building will be converted and expanded to include indoor and outdoor spaces for hospitality, marketing, and sales instructional courses and a public tasting room. Upon completion, the Wine Spectator Wine Education Complex will be organized into three buildings: a classroom, laboratory, and tasting room.

“If there was ever an educational institution poised for significant contributions to the growth of the California wine industry, this is it,” said Marvin R. Shanken, editor and publisher of Wine Spectator. “It is our hope that the door for learning opens wider for young adults from all walks of life, providing a platform for future leadership in the wine industry.”

Napa Valley College’s VWT program is one of the country's largest college viticulture and winemaking programs, complete with a five-acre vineyard and commercial winery. “Napa Valley College’s VWT program has long been supported by our community. The Trefethen family were early donors and helped spearhead contributions from others, including the Napa Valley Vintners, and the program wouldn’t be where it is today without their funding,” said Malcolm de Sieyes, president, Napa Valley College Foundation. The Napa Valley College Foundation was founded in 1968 to increase community awareness and provide financial support for Napa Valley College and its students. The Board of Directors includes professional, business, and philanthropic leaders who have a dedicated interest in the College and its students.

The Napa Valley College Foundation is an independent California non-profit, public benefit corporation and is tax-exempt as provided by IRS Sec. 501 (c)3. Federal ID# 23-7003565.

FOR MORE INFORMATION www.napavalley.edu/AboutNVC/Foundation/