O Bee Credit Union creates new scholarship for brewing and distilling students

O Bee Credit Union and South Puget Sound Community College have announced the O Bee Brewers & Distillers of Tomorrow Scholarship, a $50,000 endowment created to support South Puget Sound Community College students who are pursuing careers in the craft brewing and distilling industry, according to a news release from South Puget Sound Community College.

As the endowment matures over the next few years, O Bee is also funding an annual scholarship of $2,000 through 2027, beginning with a scholarship that will be awarded in 2025.

“O Bee Credit Union’s roots supporting the brewing industry go back 70 years when we began serving the employees and families of the Olympia Brewery,” said Andrew Downin, O Bee Credit Union’s CEO. “While the industry has evolved, what hasn’t changed is O Bee’s dedication to the brewers and distillers of Washington. We’re proud to honor the region’s brewing heritage and support the next generation of brewers and distillers with this scholarship.”

South Puget Sound Community College’s Craft Brewing & Distilling program, located in the Tumwater Craft District, offers education in brewing science, operations and business. Products created in the degree program are showcased and served in the Percival Creek Tasting Room, also located in the Craft District.

“We started our Craft Brewing & Distilling program as part of a community-wide movement to bring brewing back to our region and to build upon the legacy of this industry in Thurston County,” said Kelly Green, South Puget Sound Community College vice president for advancement. “This partnership with O Bee Credit Union is a perfect fit for these efforts — they are committed to preserving and advancing the brewing industry, and they are demonstrating that by ensuring the next generation of brewers can get the training and education they need to flourish in our region.”

To learn more about the O Bee Brewers & Distillers of Tomorrow Scholarship, visit the South Puget Sound Community College Foundation’s Scholarships page at https://spscc.edu/foundation/scholarships.