LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) - The Kentucky Distillers’ Association says it will fund scholarships at the University of Kentucky in a push to increase diversity in the distilled spirits industry.
The scholars program fund will support full tuition each year for up to four students in UK’s distillation, wine and brewing studies program, the association said Wednesday.
President Eric Gregory said there are “too few diverse voices in our industry,” adding that the scholars program is a “vital part of our commitment to building a workforce that’s more reflective of our country’s population and culture.”
“To live our values as a signature industry, we must work harder to cultivate a culture of diversity, inclusivity and collaboration,” he said.
The university’s distillation, wine and brewing studies program provides students with a knowledge of an $8.6 billion international industry with many career opportunities. As one of Kentucky’s best-known industries, bourbon generates more than 20,100 jobs with annual payroll topping $1 billion.
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