Are you ready to take your brewing knowledge to the next level? The Glen Hay Falconer Foundation, in partnership with the prestigious Siebel Institute of Technology, is thrilled to announce that applications are now officially open for our 2026 Brewing Scholarships!
Since 2004, we’ve been dedicated to fostering the next generation of brewing talent, having awarded over 60 scholarships to date. This year, we are offering two full-tuition grants for the World Brewing Academy (WBA) Concise Course in Brewing Technology.
The Opportunity of a Lifetime
This isn’t just a class—it’s an intensive, two-week deep dive into the heart of professional brewing.
Where: Montreal, Canada
When: October 2026
What: The WBA Concise Course covers every critical topic for successful brewery operations, from raw materials and brewhouse processes to fermentation and quality control.
Whether you are a professional brewer looking to refine your technical standards or a homebrewer planning your entry into the industry, this course provides the foundation you need to excel.
We’ve Got You Covered
We know that education is an investment, which is why we aim to remove as many barriers as possible. Each scholarship includes:
Full Tuition for the two-week program.
A $1,500 Stipend to help offset your travel and lodging expenses in beautiful Montreal.
Are You Eligible?
We are looking for passionate brewers from the following Western states:
The best part? These scholarships are open to both professional brewers and homebrewers. If you have the drive and the passion, we want to hear from you.
How to Apply
Don’t wait! The deadline for all application materials is April 22, 2026.
Carrying Forward a Legacy of Craft, Curiosity, and Community
The Glen Hay Falconer Foundation is proud to announce Daniel Custer of Sound 2 Summit Brewing (Snohomish, WA) as the recipient of the 2026 American Brewers Guild (ABG) Scholarship.
Selected from a deep and highly talented pool of applicants, Daniel exemplifies the values at the heart of the Foundation’s mission: dedication to craft, commitment to learning, and a genuine desire to give back to the brewing community.
From Homebrewer to Head Brewer
Daniel’s brewing journey began where many great brewing stories do: at home.
Starting with extract kits and progressing to all-grain brewing, Daniel immersed himself in the Greater Everett Brewer’s League, where curiosity quickly became a calling.
In his own words, he “was hooked … and decided this is what I wanted to do for a living.”
From there, Daniel built his career step by step, gaining hands-on experience across nearly every aspect of brewing and brewery operations—learning by doing, experimenting, refining, and growing with each role.
Leadership, Craft, and Mentorship
Daniel spent three years as Lead Brewer at Crucible Brewing, where he took ownership of major initiatives including:
Recipe development
Equipment maintenance
Training and mentoring junior brewers
His leadership extended beyond the brewhouse, with a strong focus on community education and engagement.
Today, Daniel serves as Head Brewer at Sound 2 Summit Brewing, overseeing all beer production across two taproom locations while continuing to refine his craft and support those around him.
Why Daniel Was Selected
The Selection Committee cited Daniel’s:
“Impressive résumé of accomplishment and meaningful impact”
Creative artistry in recipe development, paired with
Technical precision in the brewhouse
Much of Daniel’s career has been built through hands-on experience, continual experimentation, and an ongoing commitment to learning. He continues to develop and refine recipes on his home system—an approach that reflects both curiosity and discipline.
With the technical and scientific foundation provided by the ABG program, the Committee sees tremendous potential for Daniel’s continued growth and leadership.
“Daniel is in a great position to carry forward the legacy of excellence that defines the Glen Hay Falconer Foundation.”
Giving Back to the Brewing Community
Throughout his career, Daniel has made mentorship and community engagement a priority. He openly acknowledges the guidance he has received and is motivated to share that knowledge with others pursuing their own brewing paths.
One of Daniel’s primary goals in enrolling in the ABG program is to bring what he learns back to the brewhouse—strengthening his team, supporting fellow brewers, and contributing to the broader craft brewing community.
With Gratitude to Our Selection Committee
Selecting a single recipient from such a talented and accomplished group of applicants is no easy task. We extend our sincere thanks to the 2026 ABG Scholarship Selection Committee for their time, expertise, and thoughtful deliberation:
Jamie Floyd – Ninkasi Brewing
Lisa Morrison – Belmont Station Bottle Shop & Biercafé
Steve Parkes – American Brewers Guild
Dan Russo – formerly of Oakshire Brewing
Brett Thomas – Sunriver Brewing
Their collective insight and dedication help ensure that the Foundation continues to support brewers who embody both technical excellence and a spirit of giving back.
About the Scholarship
Daniel will attend the American Brewers Guild’s Intensive Brewing Science & Engineering (IBS&E) program, a 22-week distance education course running from January through June 2026, concluding with a residential session in Middlebury, Vermont.
The IBS&E program provides an in-depth foundation in:
Brewing science and engineering
Beer production and quality assurance
Practical, real-world challenges faced by modern craft brewers
Thank You to Our Partners
The Glen Hay Falconer Foundation extends its sincere thanks to the American Brewers Guild for its continued partnership and dedication to brewing education.
We also offer special thanks to Yakima Chief Hops, whose Falconer’s Flight® hop blend has not only spread awareness of brewing education, but has also provided long-term financial support for the Foundation’s scholarship program.
Since 2004, the Glen Hay Falconer Foundation has awarded 57 scholarships, honoring the memory and legacy of Glen Hay Falconer by investing in the future of craft brewing.
It is a true pleasure for the Foundation to contribute to their careers, and we are so pleased to support them in their dedication and passion for brewing.
They’ve graciously provided fantastic photos wearing their honorary “hop hats”. We are excited to share those pictures here as they embark on the next steps of their careers.
Cheers to Asher and Jamie! We can’t wait to see what they do next.
Are you ready to take your brewing career to the next level? The Glen Hay Falconer Foundation, in collaboration with the American Brewers Guild (ABG), is proud to offer a full-tuition scholarship to the Guild’s prestigious Intensive Brewing Science & Engineering program.
This 22-week course combines distance education with a final week of hands-on, residential instruction in Middlebury, Vermont. It’s designed for professional brewers and passionate homebrewers seeking formal training in brewing science — covering every aspect of beer production and quality assurance.
The American Brewers Guild is one of the premier brewing schools in the nation, known for providing a comprehensive, science-based education that addresses both the technical and operational challenges of craft brewing.
The Glen Hay Falconer Foundation scholarship covers full tuition for the January 19 – June 26, 2026 session, plus a $1,000 travel stipend to help offset expenses for the residential week in Vermont.
This opportunity is open to professional brewers and homebrewers who live in Washington, Oregon, Alaska, Hawaii, or Northern California (San Francisco/Monterey Bay areas and north).
🗓 Application Deadline: November 7, 2025 ⚠️ Note: The class is already full — this scholarship slot is the only remaining opening!
In collaboration with the American Brewers Guild, the Glen Hay Falconer Foundation is proud to offer a full-tuition scholarship to the Guild’s Intensive Brewing Science & Engineering program.
This renowned 22-week distance education course (January 19 – June 26, 2026), includes a final week of residential instruction in Middlebury, Vermont. It’s designed for brewers and homebrewers without formal brewing science training, covering all the fundamentals of beer production and quality assurance.
👉 Important Details
Application Deadline: November 7, 2025
Program Dates: January 19 – June 26, 2026
Residential Week: June 2026, Middlebury, VT
Eligibility: Professional brewers and homebrewers from WA, OR, AK, HI, and Northern CA (San Francisco/Monterey Bay and north)
Scholarship Includes: Full tuition plus a $1,000 travel & lodging stipend
The American Brewers Guild is a premier brewing school offering a comprehensive learning experience that blends science, technology, and practical brewing knowledge. This is a rare opportunity to join a class already full—except for this scholarship slot!
Selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants across the western United States, Asher and Jamie have each been awarded a full scholarship to the prestigious WBA Concise Course in Brewing Technology at the Siebel Institute in Chicago this November. This intensive two-week program covers the essential technical, operational, and quality control aspects of successful brewery operations.
Asher’s journey into craft brewing began with a bold leap—from an engineering background in Taiwan to a brewing career in the U.S. He is a co-founder of the Taiwanese Brewer’s Association and continues to build bridges between brewing communities across continents.
In the U.S., Asher has served as lead brewer at both Ugly Half Beer and Drake’s Brewing before joining pFriem Family Brewers. His passion for sustainability, process optimization, and education shines through in his work—and in his efforts to uplift others via podcasting, blogging, and judging competitions.
“Asher’s application underscores an awareness of pivotal shifts in the industry and a need to move to sustainable production practices. He demonstrates community spirit and is well-positioned to mentor others and share what he learns under this scholarship.” — Falconer Selection Committee
From pouring pints in the front of house to producing brews behind the scenes, Jamie has worn many hats at breweries across Washington, Oregon, and Arizona. Her resume includes Lucky Envelope, ExNovo, Away Days, Dragoon Brewing, and now Deschutes—each chapter marked by growth, curiosity, and commitment to craft.
Jamie’s passion lies in both brewing and beer education, helping demystify styles and share the love of beer with others.
“Jamie’s openness to exploring every path the industry offers, along with her persistence and impact on her teams, made her an exceptional candidate. She embodies the spirit of this scholarship.” — Falconer Selection Committee
🙏 Thank You, Selection Committee
Our deepest thanks go to this year’s selection panel:
The 2024 Falconer’s Flight hop blend from Yakima Chief Hops is here! Expect bold notes of tropical citrus, stone fruit, and berries, with subtle herbal and woody undertones—a tribute to the Pacific Northwest. Proceeds support our scholarship program, so your next brew can help future brewers soar.
Get ready to raise a glass for a great cause! The Sasquatch Brewers Festival is back and better than ever. This beloved annual event is more than just a celebration of great beer—it’s a fundraiser supporting our brewing scholarships fund. We’re dedicated to nurturing the next generation of craft brewers.
Craft Beer Galore A stellar lineup of breweries and beers will be announced soon. Expect a wide range of bold, creative, and classic brews to sample throughout the day.
Whether you’re a die-hard craft beer fan or just looking for a fun day out, the Sasquatch Brewers Festival promises good vibes, great music, and incredible beer—all for a great cause.
This two-week intensive course runs from November 3-14, 2025, in Chicago and covers every critical aspect of brewery operations. Whether you’re looking to advance your career in brewing or preparing to enter the industry, this program delivers essential knowledge and techniques to refine your craft.
Scholarship Details
Each scholarship includes: ✅ Full tuition for the WBA Concise Course in Brewing Technology ✅ $1,000 travel & lodging stipend ✅ The chance to learn from world-class brewing instructors at the Siebel Institute
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible, applicants must reside in one of the following states: Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, California, Alaska, or Hawaii.
Both homebrewers and professional brewers are encouraged to apply!
Since 2004, the Glen Hay Falconer Foundation has awarded 57 scholarships to help brewers grow their expertise and passion for craft beer. Will you be next?
From an exceptional pool of applicants, Aaron Brussat of Claim 52 Brewing in Eugene, OR, has been named the recipient of the 2025 American Brewers Guild Scholarship. He will participate in the Intensive Brewing Science & Engineering (IBS&E) course, a rigorous 22-week program designed to deepen technical and scientific brewing expertise.
Aaron Brussat’s Brewing Journey
From Homebrewing Enthusiast to Industry Innovator
Over a decade in the craft beer community.
Roles as a National Rank BJCP Judge and Certified Cicerone.
Leadership in community outreach, education, and events at The Bier Stein Bottleshop & Pub.
Head of Brewing Innovation at Claim 52 Brewing, focusing on creativity and technical excellence.
Why Aaron Stood Out
The Selection Committee’s Perspective
The Selection Committee commended Aaron’s unique blend of technical skill, community advocacy, and passion for brewing education.
Quotes from the Committee:
“Aaron’s long track record of advocacy for brewing made him the obvious choice.”
“His client-facing experience and ability to listen deeply to beer lovers and homebrewers stood out.”
Supporting Excellence in Craft Brewing Education
Special Thanks:
Yakima Chief Hops for their financial support through the Falconer’s Flight® hop blend.
Scholarship Selection Committee Members: Jamie Floyd, Lisa Morrison, Steve Parkes, Dan Russo, and Brett Thomas.
About the American Brewers Guild (ABG)
Elevating Brewing Education Since 1997
The American Brewers Guild provides a premier learning experience focusing on the technical, scientific, and operational aspects of craft brewing. The IBS&E course is a cornerstone of its curriculum, offering aspiring brewers the tools to excel in a competitive industry.