The Cider Is For Everyone scholarship is designed to support people from historically marginalized groups in North America in gaining access to professional development and networking opportunities in the cider industry. The goal is to increase the accessibility of cider education to jump-start the careers of these cider professionals. Many scholars have gone on to share their knowledge with the cider industry as well, as CiderCon® speakers and more.

Scholarship recipients receive:

• Registration to CiderCon® (including travel and lodging)

• Level 1 Certified Cider Guide Digital Bundle including a training video, downloadable study guide and online certification exam.

• Access to one live Certified Pommelier Sensory Webinar and the cider needed to participate (as state shipping laws allow).

• A hard copy of the Certified Pommelier Study Guide.

• Registration for an upcoming Certified Pommelier Exam.

• After passing the Certified Pommelier Exam, scholars may be eligible for a travel stipend to pursue cider judging opportunities.

This scholarship is part of a broader effort by the ACA to advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion for the cider industry. In 2019 the ACA launched the Antiracism, Equity and Inclusion committee which recognizes diversity, equity and inclusion as an important and necessary part of present and future successes of the cider industry. This committee structures its work around a belief that existing structures of power, privilege and discrimination must be actively questioned and evaluated in order to create equitable opportunities in an environment that embraces and values our differences. They strive to create events, opportunities and organizational policies that embody these values, and to continue evaluating these practices for sustained growth and improvement.