The Roots Fund, a nonprofit dedicated to creating inclusive

opportunities for communities of color throughout the wine industry, announced today that they will begin supporting education and careers in the spirits industry for BIPOC people.

The four-year-old organization has partnered with WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) to create a new scholar program to provide certification for those who want to pursue careers in the spirits industry. WSET is the global leader in drinks education, and The Roots Fund is excited to have them as a partner as they build out their commitment to spirits.

“The decision to expand The Roots Fund work into the spirits industry hones back into our overall mission to create economic opportunity for communities of color in beverages,” says The Roots Fund CEO Ikimi Dubose-Woodson. “Spirits brands have always heavily marketed

and spoken to our communities, but industry representation reflects just as poorly as the wine world. The labor and executive leadership still make up less than 8% of the spirits

industry. We plan to change this.”

The Roots Fund, which has raised almost $3 million toward their mission, has grown into one of the most impactful groups working to create a more inclusive wine and hospitality

industry. Since its launch in 2020, the organization has helped over 200 people go through their respected scholar program and go on to careers at wineries, distributors, restaurants, and launching their own businesses and media platforms. The Roots Fund works with Individuals to create a fully custom program for each scholar based on goals, providing everything from funding for education, unique internship opportunities, custom education programs, like the Rooted in France program with the Burgundy School of Business, mental health counseling, mentorship, enrichment trips around the world, and materials to learn more about the field. They have an impressive success rate of over 82% after 18 months ofpeople staying in jobs and many advance in their careers.

The organization looks to replicate much of this past success for people looking to enter or advance in the spirits industry. Scholarship applications will be available on May 22nd for the first cohort on therootsfund.org, and they will be ready to enroll in the WSET spirits qualifications classes immediately.

Rob McCaughey, Head of Business Development – Spirits at WSET, added: “At WSET, we believe that we have a responsibility to create positive social impact through purposeful activity around the world. Through this partnership, we hope to empower people with inspiring learning experiences and we feel privileged to have this opportunity to support the BIPOC community.”

The Scholarship Program, which will include WSET Levels 1 and 2 Awards in Spirits, is valued at around $25,000, including certification, tutoring support, beverages, and entry into TheRoots Fund.