Make sure your staff knows their college and trade school-bound students are eligible to apply for the Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship. This community-funded program helps college students achieve their dreams. Applicant or applicant’s parent/guardian must be employed or contracted by the California vineyard and winery industry. Easily share how to apply by posting the flyer and including the paycheck inserts (English and Spanish) next payroll.  Applications are accepted from February 2 through March 31. Meet Juan The program is named in honor of Juan Nevarez, a beloved member of the Central Coast winegrape industry, whose kindness, expertise, and passion shaped many local vineyards. Nevarez spent a lifetime working every job he could gathering knowledge that eventually enabled him to start his own vineyard management company, Nevarez Farm Labor, and own his own eighty-acre vineyard. Although Juan struggled to read and write himself, he dreamed of higher ed

We’re proud to share the third annual Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship Impact Report! Since 2015, your support has helped us invest over $436,000 in college scholarships for the children of California’s vineyard and winery workers. These students are breaking new ground—98% are the first in their families to attend college. The road isn’t easy. Three out of four first-generation college students don’t graduate. Many face challenges like limited guidance, financial pressure, and the emotional weight of leaving family behind. That’s why this scholarship does more than cover tuition—it also provides mentorship, helping students stay on track and build a future rooted in service and leadership. Take a look at what we accomplished together last year! ¡También disponible en español! Thank you for your continued support.

“Every experience in my academic journey starts with a single fact: I am the first in my family to continue my education.”— Denise, Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholar, Yale University First-generation college students like Denise don’t just pack up and head to school—they carry big dreams, heavy responsibilities, and the quiet courage to be the first. They often navigate college on their own, juggling tight budgets, unfamiliar systems, and the emotional challenge of leaving home. But when someone believes in them, everything changes. The Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship was created to do exactly that—by offering financial support and mentorship to the children of vineyard and winery workers. It’s not just a scholarship; it’s a bridge to a better future. And it's working: our scholars are graduating, thriving, and giving back to their communities. --- Denise's Journey to Yale As the first in her family to attend college, Denise h

Make sure your staff knows their college and trade school-bound students are eligible to apply for the Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship. This community-funded program helps college students achieve their dreams. Applicant or applicant’s parent/guardian must be employed or contracted by the California vineyard and winery industry. Easily share how to apply by posting the flyer and including the paycheck inserts (English and Spanish) next payroll. Applications are accepted from February 3 through March 31. Meet Juan The program is named in honor of Juan Nevarez, a beloved member of the Central Coast winegrape industry, whose kindness, expertise, and passion shaped many local vineyards. Nevarez spent a lifetime working every job he could gathering knowledge that eventually enabled him to start his own vineyard management company, Nevarez Farm Labor, and own his own eighty-acre vineyard. Although Juan struggled to read and write himself, he dreamed of higher education for

Are you or your parent/guardian employed or contracted by the California vineyard and winery industry?  Mark your calendar: Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship applications are open from February 3 through March 31, 2025. Scholarships are awarded based on financial need, academic excellence, and community, work and/or caregiver responsibilities.  Multi-year scholarship awards range from $1,000 to $6,000 per student per year. The number of scholarships awarded is based on fund availability. Visit our website to learn more about the application process. 2 Ways to Share  Both are available in English and Spanish! 8.5x11’ flyer  Paycheck inserts: Spanish | English  In partnership with Must! Charities.

To conclude a year defined by forward-thinking practices and community engagement, we at Vineyard Team proudly share an annual review to highlight our industry’s significant achievements and ongoing commitment to sustainable winegrowing. In 2024, we hosted 8 Tailgates and 2 collaborative events across 3 counties, offering over 20 continuing education (CE) hours to growers and ag professionals. These events strengthened the sense of community, supported five local coffee shops, and fostered the formation of countless new friendships. November’s annual Sustainable Ag Expo included: 531 attendees 63 exhibitors 3 special networking opportunities 16 in-person seminars 13 online courses 29 hours of continuing education  147 attendees experienced streamlined DPR reporting through a collaboration with CE Reported. All attendees enjoyed 38 gallons of coffee, 205 donuts, 26 bottles of wine, and 600 ounces of beer in the event’s lively and engaging atm

In the last 12 months, our community came together in a big way to help students achieve their dreams of higher education so that they can establish a career and give back to their communities.  We are thrilled to publish our 2024 Impact Report for the Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship. This program makes higher education investments in the children of California's vineyard and winery workers. The majority of awardees are the first in their family to attend college.  Please look at the impact you made in the last year!

Tune into Up + Adam to hear Vineyard Team Executive Director, Beth Vukmanic, talk all-things Scholarship! LISTEN IN "...We have an inspiring conversation with Beth Vukmanic from the Vineyard Team, an organization dedicated to promoting sustainable farming practices and supporting the education of vineyard and farm worker families. Beth talks about their impactful scholarship program, now in collaboration with Must Charities, which helps young men and women, often the first in their families to attend college, by providing financial aid and mentorship. This program supports students whether they're pursuing a four-year degree, a two-year degree, or vocational training, setting them up for success. For more information on their initiatives and how they're making a difference, visit the Vineyard Team Website (https://www.vineyardteam.org)."

Continuing a Legacy of Learning Vineyard Team proudly announces the selection of six new exceptional recipients of the Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship, continuing its mission of investing in higher education for the children of California's vineyard and winery workers. These students are set to embark on a transformative journey. This year's recipients, all first-generation college students, have been chosen for their academic achievements, financial need, inspiring stories, community involvement, and the potential to make significant contributions to their communities . Among them are a future viticulturist with a commitment to sustainable agriculture, a budding real estate developer with aspirations of owning their own farm one day, and a prospective legislator/politician, passionate about public policy and social justice. Congratulations to This Year’s Recipients: Daisy from Paso Robles, planning to attend California Polytechnic State University. David from Paso Ro

The Power of a Mentor Did you know that 33% of first-generation students leave college within three years of starting (Education Advisory Board)? While there are many contributing factors, the main reasons first-generation students leave are: Financial burdens. Lack of support. Inequitable access to resources. Because of your past generosity, the Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship has expanded to address each of those factors. Each recipient receives: Multi-year scholarships to trade, two-, or four-year schools. A graduation bonus. Personalized guidance from our dedicated Scholarship Mentor. Knowing that financial constraints are not the only barrier, this program has expanded to make a unique investment in a dedicated Scholarship Mentor who is a resource to the students throughout their collegiate career. Multi-year recipient Lizbeth says, "Being a first-generation college student is a true honor, but it comes with many obstacles and sacrifices." Regular check-ins with