Bulleit Frontier Whiskey Partners With Historic HBCU To Promote Diversity In The Spirits Industry

Bulleit Frontier Whiskey, one of the fastest-growing independent whiskey brands, has announced that it has partnered with a popular Historically Black College and University (HBCU) for a new grant program.

In a press release announcement, it was revealed that the Diageo-distributed brand will be working with Kentucky State University (KSU) to provide financial aid totaling $25,000 for talented students.

This grant/scholarship program will be available to students who apply to the Master of Agriculture Sciences in Environmental Studies (MES) program.

For Bulleit Frontier Whiskey’s part, however, their goal is to promote diversity in the spirits industry — an industry dominated by white people, and specifically, white men — as well as to provide opportunities to Black men and women in Kentucky.

“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,” said Ricky Collett, Global & US Brand Director, Bulleit Frontier Whiskey, in the press release announcement. “This annual scholarship is a part of our commitment to helping build a pipeline of diverse talent into the spirits industry by supporting the sustainability leaders of tomorrow.”

This $25,000 scholarship commitment is part of Diageo’s larger $10 million commitment to fund what they’re calling “permanent endowments” at 25 different HBCUs across the country.

And, specifically, Diageo committed $1 million to Kentucky State University, making it the largest donation in the school’s history.

But more than just the monetary donation, Bulleit Frontier Whiskey plans to go one step further and make a commitment to Kentucky State University in three different ways.

First, the company plans to work directly with the HBCU to recruit new talent. Second, the company plans to host interactive and enriching experiences on-site — such as distillery tours — to give a true overview of what it means to work at the company. And finally, Bulleit Frontier Whiskey plans to host various community activations including alumni events, and a fall campus clean-up along M.L.K. Jr. Blvd in Frankfort, Kentucky in partnership with KSU and Keep America Beautiful as part of the larger Diageo Community Improvement Grant Program.