(Press Release)

SAN DIEGO—Karl Strauss Brewing Company is proud to support the next generation of local brewers by joining forces with UC San Diego Extension. Karl Strauss is celebrating 25 years of crafting the San Diego beer scene by offering two scholarships to UC San Diego Extension’s Brewing certificate program in 2014. “When we started the industry here in San Diego 25 years ago, we had no idea the craft beer culture would expand into what it’s become today,” says Matt Rattner, President, Karl Strauss Brewing Company. “We are looking forward to helping a new crop of San Diego brewers get their start with this amazing program at UC San Diego Extension.”

Karl Strauss will fund two full scholarships in 2014, with a single reoccurring annual scholarship beginning in 2015. The scholarships will be funded through the nonprofit Karl Strauss Brewers Education Fund, which was established after Karl’s passing to provide financial and educational support to those aspiring to pursue a career in the brewing industry. The partnership with UC San Diego Extension fulfills the fund’s mission and allows Karl Strauss to support and engage its local brewing community. “It is incredibly exciting to be partnering with UC San Diego,” says Paul Segura, Brewmaster, Karl Strauss Brewing Company. “One of our core values is to care for our local community and there is no better way to give back than to help someone with their education. Karl would be proud to know that his legacy lives on and that he continues to inspire people to pursue their passions.”

UC San Diego Extension’s Professional Certificate in Brewing is the first of its kind in Southern California. The program is a part-time, evening and weekend program that offers academic and practical training for entry-level brewing professionals and can be completed in 18-24 months. Applications are now being accepted for the spring term which starts in April. “The response to the program has been overwhelming and we are very enthusiastic about our partnership with Karl Strauss.  They have been a pillar of the San Diego brewing community for 25 years and it seemed like a natural fit when they approached us,” says Peter Thomas, Associate Director of the Arts, Humanities, Languages and Digital Arts department at UC San Diego Extension. To be considered for the spring 2014 cohort, applications must be submitted by Friday, February 21, 2014. Applicants can note on their applications if they are interested in being considered for the Karl Strauss Scholarship. Scholarships will be awarded based on the applicant’s personal statement and completion of pre-requisites. 

For more information about the Karl Strauss Brewers Education Fund, visit www.karlstrauss.com. To learn more and apply for the UC San Diego Extension Brewing program and Karl Strauss scholarship, visit extension.ucsd.edu/brewing. Share it. Cheers.

About Karl Strauss Brewing Company
Karl Strauss Brewing Company has pioneered the San Diego beer scene since 1989 with innovative beer releases like Big Barrel IIPA and Wreck Alley Imperial Stout. The brewery has won 54 medals over the past three years and its Red Trolley Ale is one of the most award winning beers in the world. The company is currently ranked #39 on the list of the country’s top craft breweries with sole distribution in California. 2014 is on pace to be another exciting year of double-digit sales growth, with the main brewery tasting room and new brewery restaurant in Temecula now open. For more information visit www.karlstrauss.com or call the brewery at (858) 273-2739. Share it. Cheers.