Meet the 2025 Recipients of the Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship
Vineyard Team is honored to introduce six new recipients of the Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship. Since 2015, this scholarship has helped make higher education possible for the children of California’s vineyard and winery workers—whose hands have shaped the heart and soul of the state’s wine industry.
This year’s recipients were chosen not only for their academic achievement and financial need, but for the remarkable stories that set them apart. Among them is a future biomedical engineer motivated to help bridge the gap in medical access, a first-generation college student determined to become the teacher her parents never had, and a young woman who turned personal loss into a lifelong commitment to support children experiencing trauma.
Congratulations to This Year’s Recipients:
- Erid, planning to attend California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
- Evelyn, planning to attend California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
- Fabiola, planning to attend Mendocino Community College
- Jessica, planning to attend University of California, San Diego
- Karitina, planning to attend Sonoma State University
- Martin, planning to attend California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
The Goal: College Success
Recipients of the Juan Nevarez Scholarship are awarded multi-year scholarships to attend trade schools, community colleges, or four-year universities. Beyond financial support, the program also provides a dedicated mentor who helps the students navigate the academic and personal challenges of college life.
For instance, Daisy, a 2024 scholarship recipient studying viticulture at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, recently attended her first Vineyard Team Tailgate. Alex, the program Mentor, encouraged Daisy to attend this grower-led educational event to learn about her field of study and network with professionals in the industry. She says, “This scholarship not only helps financially, it also gives me a sense of community and support that means so much as I start my journey into viticulture.”
Since its inception, the Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship has supported first-generation college students. According to research by the Education Advisory Board, although these students are less likely to finish college, financial aid, mentorship, and emotional support contribute to higher graduation rates.
One of the program’s graduates, Alberto, is now pursuing his master’s at Fresno State University. This November he is presenting his research on how sulfur application frequency effects yield and anthocyanins at Vineyard Team’s Sustainable Ag Expo. He shares, “I’m looking forward to presenting something that can aid growers in making more comfortable decisions in their vineyards.”
How You Can Help
Vineyard Team is proud to honor the memory of Juan Nevarez, a pioneer in the Paso Robles wine industry, by supporting the children of vineyard and winery workers in achieving their educational goals. This work is made possible through the generosity of donors who believe in the power of education to transform lives.
To learn more about the program and meet the students, visit the donor page. Your support opens doors, turns potential into real opportunity, and helps write the next chapter—one story at a time.
In partnership with Must! Charities.
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