Generosity is pouring in from the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO), in the spirit of helping to advance equitable representation in the beverage alcohol industry.
The LCBO has donated more than $60,000 to Niagara College to establish a new LCBO Spirit of Inclusion Initiative Bursary. The bursary will provide financial support to students who self-identify as a woman from a diverse background currently under-represented in the beverage alcohol industry, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) who are enrolled in the College’s beverage programs.
The LCBO’s Spirit of Inclusion Initiative is working with partners to establish mentorship, bursaries and continued education for diverse women who are looking to begin or advance their training in the winery, brewery and distillery fields.
“It is our responsibility to use our influence and resources to increase diverse representation and foster inclusion within the beverage alcohol industry,” said George Soleas, President and CEO, LCBO. “The Spirit of Inclusion Initiative is a holistic, long-term commitment to support diverse women looking to begin or advance their careers in the winery, brewery, and distillery fields. Its success relies on the strength of our incredible community and trade partners, and I am excited for the impact we will achieve together.”
Representatives from Niagara College applauded the LCBO’s Spirit of Inclusion Initiative and welcomed the donation, which will provide much-needed financial support for students
“We thank the LCBO for their generous gift which will make it possible for many under-represented students in our beverage programs to achieve their dreams,” said Marc Nantel, Vice President of Research and External Relations. “The LCBO’s Spirit of Inclusion Initiative Bursary demonstrates their commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion, while supporting student success. Both are core values at the heart of Niagara College.”
Dean of NC’s Canadian Food and Wine Institute Craig Youdale noted the importance of striving for more equity, diversity and inclusion in the beverage industry, which has made progress in recent years but still has much more to achieve.
“The LCBO Spirit of Inclusion Initiative Bursary is helping to achieve a more equitable landscape in the beverage community,” said Youdale. “We look forward to seeing the results of our collective impact and more opportunities for more diverse women to enter our beverage alcohol program, thanks to the support from the LCBO.”
This fall, the first LCBO Spirit of Inclusion Initiative bursaries will be awarded to four NC students – one from each of the College’s beverage programs – to cover tuition and ancillary program costs, including:
- $9,773 for an Artisan Distilling student (one-year program);
- $9,653 for a Winery and Viticulture Technician student (to be dispersed over two years of the program);
- $8,448 for a Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management student (to be disbursed over two years of the program); and
- $5,261 for a Beverage Business Management student (a new one-year program launched in September 2021).
After the first LCBO Spirit of Inclusion Initiative bursaries are distributed at NC this fall, the balance of the funds will be available to award additional recipients during the 2022-2023 academic year.
To be eligible for the new bursary, students must demonstrate proof of financial need; be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or protected person; and self-identify as a woman from a diverse background including, but not limited to, Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour, women with disabilities, first generation Canadians, 2SLGBTQ+, and non-binary gender.
For more information about financial aid at Niagara College, visit niagaracollege.ca/fees-finances/financial-aid/.
