The financial award helps military veterans discover new careers in the brewing industry
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (May 31, 2022) – The University of South Florida, in partnership with D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc., is accepting applications for the Yuengling Veteran’s Scholarship for the August 2022 Brewing Arts program. The $5,000 award provides one veteran with full funding to attend USF’s Brewing Arts program on the St. Petersburg campus.
The 23-week program gives participants the foundational knowledge and hands-on training they need for a successful career in the craft brewing industry. Applications for the August 2022 session are being accepted through July 1, 2022.
“The brewing industry attracts many active military and veterans,” said Jennifer Sedillo, director of USF’s Brewing Arts program. “I think the camaraderie and the working together to reach the same goal makes the brewing industry a good fit for those who served in the military and we are happy that we can provide the training to help veterans in their second career.”
The Brewing Arts program, a collaboration between USF’s College of Arts and Sciences and local and national breweries, is taught by professionals and academics in the field. It’s followed by hands-on training in a brewery to apply knowledge learned. Among the nearly 20 breweries participating in the program is Yuengling, which sponsors a veteran and diversity scholarship each year.
“Yuengling has always been a proud supporter of the dedicated men and women who have served our country. We are pleased to carry on that tradition by sponsoring the Yuengling Veteran’s Scholarship at USF again this year,” said Wendy Yuengling, chief aministrative officer and sixth generation family member, D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc. “As four women helping to lead America’s Oldest Brewery, my sisters and I understand the importance of shaping opportunities for individuals who wants to pursue their passions in brewing. We’re raising our glasses to a more inclusive brewing industry and are proud to help support the development of the next generation of diverse brewers.”
Being a past recipient of the scholarship helped Ken Shere realize his passion for brewing beer after spending 20 years in the U.S. Army. He retired from active duty in 2018 and struggled with what to do for a second career.
“Getting out of the military was way harder than I expected,” Shere said. “So many of us who are lifers in the military don’t realize how little we know about civilian life. It’s a whole different lifestyle.”
After retiring from the Army, Shere was encouraged to pursue his home brewing hobby as a career. He often visited Right Around the Corner brewery in St. Petersburg, where he got his first job as an apprentice and eventually became an assistant brewer. He went on to enroll in the Brewing Arts program, earning the veteran scholarship.
Shere graduated in 2021. Through the program, he was invited to attend the Florida Brewers Guild conference. That’s where he met the owner of Pee-Pa’s Garage Craft Brewery, who offered him a job as head brewer.
“Without the program, I wouldn’t be where I am right now. Because Dr. Sedillo asked me to come to the Brewers Guild conference, I would have never met the owner of Pee-Pa’s. The program directly related to me getting hired,” Shere said. “So, because of this program, I have a new passion in my life.”
Pee-Pa’s Garage Brewery is expected to open soon in Pinellas Park.
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About the University of South Florida
The University of South Florida, a high-impact global research university dedicated to student success, generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. Over the past 10 years, no other public university in the country has risen faster in U.S. News and World Report’s national university rankings than USF. Serving more than 50,000 students on campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota-Manatee, USF is designated as a Preeminent State Research University by the Florida Board of Governors, placing it in the most elite category among the state’s 12 public universities. USF has earned widespread national recognition for its success graduating under-represented minority and limited-income students at rates equal to or higher than white and higher income students. USF is a member of the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.