The O Bee Credit Union announced a $50,000 endowment for the O Bee Brewers & Distillers of Tomorrow Scholarship for South Puget Sound Community College students involved in studies on the craft brewing and distilling industries.
A scholarship endowment is a contribution that generates earnings as it is invested. Once an endowment is fully funded upon maturity, a portion of the earnings will be used for one or more scholarship awards.
In a news release sent to The JOLT News, the college mentioned that as the endowment matures over the next few years, the credit union is also funding a yearly scholarship of $2,000 through 2027, starting with a scholarship that will be awarded in 2025.
“O Bee Credit Union’s roots supporting the brewing industry go back 70 years when we began serving the employees and families of the Olympia Brewery,” said O Bee Credit Union CEO Andrew Downin.
“While the industry has evolved, what hasn’t changed is O Bee’s dedication to the brewers and distillers of Washington. We’re proud to honor the region’s brewing heritage and support the next generation of brewers and distillers with this scholarship.”
The college’s Craft Brewing & Distilling program is located in the Tumwater Craft District, where students obtain hands-on learning in brewing science, operations, and business, useful for various roles in the field.
Outputs produced in the program are showcased and served in the craft district’s Percival Creek Tasting Room.
“We started our Craft Brewing & Distilling program as part of a community-wide movement to bring brewing back to our region and to build upon the legacy of this industry in Thurston County,” said Kelly Green, South Puget Sound Community College Vice President for Advancement.
“This partnership with O Bee Credit Union is a perfect fit for these efforts — they are committed to preserving and advancing the brewing industry, and they are demonstrating that by ensuring the next generation of brewers can get the training and education they need to flourish in our region,” Green added.
The new release stated that the credit union has deep roots in the region’s brewing history, and the scholarship honors their legacy while investing in the area’s vibrant craft beverage industry.
Founded in 1955, O Bee Credit Union offers various financial services while investing in local education, culture and economic growth.
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