News

Quarterly Update from Beth Vukmanic | Q2 2024

As an organization dedicated to the three P’s of sustainability - People, Planet, and Prosperity, one of our values is to support our community.

The Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship is our way of giving back.

Higher education can set the stage for a life of greater employment opportunities and a shot at a fulfilling career. But not every aspiring student has the resources and support to achieve that dream.

Since its inception in 2015, 98 percent of the program's recipients have been the first in their families to achieve higher education.

Recipients are more than academic standouts; they are family translators, sibling tutors, household breadwinners, and single parents. Above all they are resilient.

To date, this community-funded program has awarded $350,000 to 63 deserving students. WOW!

As the program continues to grow, so does our pride in our community supporters and the scholars who embody the essence of Juan Nevarez, a beloved California Central Coast winegrape industry member who believed in the importance of higher education.

If you have supported the program over the years, know that your generosity has transformed the life of a deserving student and their family.

Sincerely,

Beth Vukmanic | Executive Director

Pop Quiz

Recipients of the Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship receive: 

a) Single-year funding. 

b) Funding for trade, 2-, 4-year schools. 

c) Multi-year funding for trade, 2-, 4-year schools, a success bonus, AND mentorship.

(Answer at the end)

6 New Scholars

I wanted to share a heartfelt “thank you” from 2024 Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship recipient Daisy,

“Thank you so much for this wonderful opportunity! I’m so grateful to be chosen as a recipient. I’d like to thank the donors, the selection committee, and the Vineyard Team for making this scholarship possible. It's truly changed my life.”

Daisy’s parents came to the United States with 20 dollars to their name.

As a first-generation student, she learned to be innovative to excel in her studies. Daisy plans to attend Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo to prepare for a career in agriculture innovation.

We need to raise $100k by June 30, 2025 to keep matching funds from Must! Charities. You can help us reach our goal and help students like Daisey by making a gift.

What Are You Doing in November?

Our fantastic speaker lineup for the 2024 Sustainable Ag Expo is confirmed! Two days of in-person sessions and 10+ online courses provide you with 20+ hours of continuing education.

Hop topics include:

STAY TUNED! We’re announcing our headliner later this month. With 20+ years of hands-on experience and ties to the Vineyard Team, you won’t want to miss this expert.

Get your tickets today and enjoy peace of mind come harvest time!

Tailgate Photo Album

From biofungicides to biochar, 364 growers and ag vendors attended 8 Tailgates across 3 counties to learn and share.

Check out photos from these events!

Don’t miss the last two Tailgates of the year - get registered today. 

Reading the SIP Certified Serial? 

Since we learned that telling your sustainable story can help you sell more wine, we have been finding new ways to help SIP Certified members do just that.

One of these is a serial in Grape & Wine Magazine.

Every issue since September 2023 features a SIP Certified member and how they address one of the 7 Values of sustainability uniquely.

Read the most recent story: Nurturing Biodiversity: How Sustainable Vineyard Stewards Care for the Whole Farm System.

Get DPR & CCA Hours

Sustainable Winegrowing On-Demand is a suite of FREE online courses covering soil health, nutrition, climate change, and much, much more.

Learn and earn continuation hours through the end of November. Sign up here. 

Made possible by Western SARE.

WHAT'S UP NEXT?

Sincerely,

Beth Vukmanic

P.S. Pop Quiz answer is: c)  Multi-year funding for trade, 2-, 4-year schools, a graduation bonus, AND mentorship.

The Pew Research Center found that 74% of first-generation college students don’t graduate. They leave due to 1) financial burdens, 2) lack of support, and 3) inequitable access to resources. 

Because our goal is college success the Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship provides both financial and support services. 

While financial support is critical, dollars alone are not enough. The program Mentor, Alex, helps each scholar with their biggest challenge like transitioning from high school, budgeting, and building a resume.

Scholars have twice yearly one-on-one check-ins with Alex plus a monthly newsletter filled with success tips.

Students who receive academic, social, and emotional support services are more likely to remain enrolled, increasing their chances of graduation (NSPA).
« Back to News Index