Scholarships

Scholarships are available but can not be guaranteed to any current or potential students. 

The information below is to be used as a brief overview of the scholarship opportunity.

Please contact the appropriate party for additional information.

Teaching Assistant (TA)

Slate Wine & Spirits Academy now offers Teaching Assistant positions for returning students! These positions are only available for WSET Level 2 Award in Wines and WSET Level 3 Award in Wines in-person courses.

In exchange for a 50% discount off the regular tuition price, a Teaching Assistant is responsible for the setup and breakdown of the classroom and the wine service before and during class time. Teaching Assistants do not participate in any course instruction, so they are not required to do any extra preparation for class. However, they are required to arrive no later than one hour before the start of class for setting up and stay after class for breakdown and clean up.

TA tuition includes all the same experiences other students will have, including their books, all classes, all in-class activities, all in-class tastings, and the exam. 

These positions usually fill up six months to a year in advance, so please be aware that there might be a waiting list for the TA position you’re looking to apply for.

To apply, please send an email with your request containing your current resume to [email protected]​.

The Merendino Foundation

The Merendino Foundation offers three scholarship grant programs for Florida residents wishing to advance their knowledge of fine wine, craft beer and/or distilled spirits or obtain a recognized certification of professional expertise. Applicants must be employed full-time in an industry related to the production, sale, or service of alcoholic beverages. Applications are currently accepted on a quarterly basis. Please see the program guidelines in the application for full details on eligibility.

This philanthropy was conceived by Mr. Merendino, whose career involved the retail sale, education, and promotion of fine wine and other craft alcohol for over 50 years. The Foundation itself was established in 2016 after the death of Mr. Merendino in the discharge of his testamentary wishes and has received its Section 501(c) (3) tax-exempt status from the IRS.

Program Guidelines for All Scholarship/Grants:

• Applicants must show evidence of employment within an industry directly related to the production, sale, or service of fine wine, craft beer, or craft distilled spirits.
• Applicants must have the endorsement of their current employer or letters of reference from 2 persons who are experienced within such qualified industries. Based on personal knowledge or experience can attest to the work ethic, passion, and sincerity of interest of the applicant in the area being assisted, as well as the positive impact that the assistance requested is likely to have upon the applicant’s career.
•  Applicants must show proof of current residency in Florida of at least 3 years duration immediately preceding registration or past residency of at least 10 years duration any time before.

For further information, please contact the Foundation directly: [email protected]

The Merendino Foundation is not affiliated with Slate Wine & Spirits Academy.