Kentucky State University and Bulleit Frontier Whiskey recently announced a partnership that will include an annual scholarship of $25,000 to talented students within the Master of Science in Environmental Studies program.

"We appreciate this generous donation from Bulleit and the opportunities it will create to ensure some of our most talented and brightest students are given the chance to become future leaders regardless of their socioeconomic background, status or race," Kentucky State University M. Christopher Brown II said. "With this partnership we're helping remove a financial barrier that prevents students from getting across the finish line."

Bulleit Frontier Whiskey is a brand within Diageo North America, which earlier this year contributed the largest lump sum donation in the University’s history. The $25,000 annual scholarship is in addition to Diageo’s $1 million commitment.

"We hope to make a lasting impact as we provide resources, funding and support to the next generation of pioneers through our partnership with Kentucky State University, an institution that has been an educational pillar for over a century in the Commonwealth," Bulleit Frontier Whiskey Global and U.S. Brand Director Ricky Collett said. "This annual scholarship is a part of our commitment to help build a pipeline of diverse talent into the spirits industry by supporting the sustainability leaders of tomorrow."  

According to Bulleit press release, the grant will be distributed within Kentucky State through a fund structure established to provide $25,000 to support students in the environmental studies master’s program annually for the next five years.

In addition to the annual scholarship, Bulleit aspires to a long term partnership with additional community-driven initiatives beyond the monetary annual scholarship including:

• Working with Kentucky State to actively recruit candidates for current positions and internship opportunities across Bulleit distillery sites, including the new Diageo Lebanon, Kentucky distillery, which is expected to be carbon neutral once operational later this year.
• Educational and enriching immersive experiences hosted by Bulleit for Kentucky State environmental studies graduate students and faculty of legal drinking age throughout the year including in-depth distillery tours, on-site research opportunities, lunch-and-learns, guest speakers and more.
• Various community initiatives including alumni events and a fall campus clean up along M.L.K. Jr. Blvd in Frankfort, Kentucky in partnership with Kentucky State and Keep America Beautiful as part of the larger Diageo Community Improvement Grant Program.

Diageo made a broader $10 million commitment earlier this year to fund permanent endowments at 25 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to develop future leaders and help shape a more equitable society, which included the $1 million gift to Kentucky State.