Scholarship for Online courses
The Paul B. Carson Brewing Community Scholarship - Creating Fellowship Through Beer
In collaboration with the Siebel Institute of Technology, the Paul B. Carson Brewing Community Scholarship – Creating Fellowship Through Beer, is offering TWO full-tuition brewing education scholarships in 2026.
The scholarships available are for two online courses: the online World Brewing Academy (WBA) Concise Course in Brewing Technology, August 17-November 2, 2026, and the online WBA Executive Overview of the Brewing Process course, November 9-30, 2026.
The online WBA Concise Course in Brewing Technology covers topics critical to any successful brewery operation. It’s designed for brewers pursuing a wider knowledge of professional brewing standards and techniques as well as for those planning to enter the brewing industry.
This course is open to brewers with no more than three years of brewery work experience.
The online WBA Executive Overview of the Brewing Process course offers a range of topics, but at a basic level, covering each area of brewing, giving students a functional understanding of key issues that affect the areas of brewery operations, beer quality, production processes and sustainability. Homebrewers and beer fans would each find the information easy to understand, and assist with learning beer vocabulary and processes.
Prior brewing knowledge is not required to apply.
Rules and regulations
Applicants must reside in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota or Wisconsin. Applicants must live in the stated geographic region on July 1, 2026, to be eligible.
How to apply
The below questions should be answered in brief (short paragraphs) for the course you are interested in and emailed to:
Pbcarsonscholarship@gmail.com by no later than July 17, 2026. The selection committee will then evaluate your candidacy for the selected course. Note, as each course is uniquely different in scope, applicants should only apply for one scholarship choice that best fits their needs.
WBA Concise Course in Brewing Technology (begins online August 17)
- Did you have a moment or event that made you realize that beer should be your passion or focus, your career or your hobby?
- What does the term beer/brewing community mean to you?
- If you brew beer, where and why, and what do you want people to get from your beer?
- What would you consider your level of knowledge; beginner, hobbyist for years, or professional (brewing at a brewery or brew pub)?
- What are your expectations after taking this course?
WBA Executive Overview of the Brewing Process Course (begins online November 9)
- Did you have a moment or event that made you realize that beer is special to you?
- What does the term beer/brewing community mean to you?
- Do you homebrew, are a beer fan, or working in a bar or brewery but not brewing the beer itself?
- Do you have a favorite brewery or taproom and why is it special for you?
About Paul B. Carson
Paul B. Carson was an Illinois resident who was passionate about music, boating, golfing, his dog Brewster and his wife Sally… and beer. He loved just about everything about beer and the brewing process – the details, the variety, the people and the product.
It was on a visit to Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1988 to tour the local breweries (Miller to Pabst to Sprecher) that Sally also came to appreciate and love beer, brewing and the community.
Over the years, Paul and Sally visited breweries and taprooms, collecting a wide variety of standards and unique bottles and cans. They met interesting and wonderful people from all walks of life, inside and outside the industry. And during this time, both developed relationships with the brewers, servers and patrons.
Beer became a part of their lives and gave them happiness. They found that brewers and drinkers are knowledgeable and both want to share their expertise, opinions and the joy found in beer.
Paul died suddenly and unexpectedly in 2024, leaving a hole not only in the lives of Sally and Brewster, but also in the lives of those that knew him in the beer community. Paul was a genuine, caring and fun person who always made time to help, support and laugh with family, friends and strangers.
To honor his memory and help to expand the fellowship found in the beer community, Sally created these scholarships to advance the brewing education of those who share Paul’s passion for beer and respect for those working in the industry.