It all started when…

On March 10th, 2019, the Florida craft beer community was rocked by the news of Greg Rapp’s passing after a long fought battle with cancer. He was a monumental figure in the community, having been a launching pad for many brewers in his work creating the Pinellas Urban Brewer’s Guild, proving the business model of nanobreweries by starting Rapp Brewing Company, and introducing long-forgotten styles to the area, such as the Gose, Lichtenhainer, and Polotmavy Czech Amber Lager. His legacy in this area is far-reaching, and his work and dedication to the promotion of craft beer in this area should never be forgotten.

In that, Best Florida Beer is offering a scholarship in Greg Rapp’s name to the University Of South Florida’s Brewing Arts Program, a Master Brewer’s Association of the America’s (MBAA) certified program for the education of brewers at all levels. This scholarship will be awarded annually at Rapp Brewery’s memorial event.

Award Information

• The Greg Rapp Memorial Scholarship will be open from October 1, 2022 to February 5th, 2023

• The award can only be applied to the recipient’s educational costs for one of the following semesters within the year 2023, the award will expire at the end of the year.

• A selection committee will determine the winner of the scholarship awarded based on a few short essays and acceptance to the program.

• Recipients are responsible for application and registration fees. Any additional costs and fees are the recipient’s responsibility.

• Scholarships are for the recipient only, are not redeemable for cash, and are not transferable to any other person or calendar year.

• Recipients must be a US citizen residing in the state of Florida (or an eligible non-citizen).

• The recipient must provide proof of acceptance to the Brewing Art Program at USF St. Petersburg. https://www.usfsp.edu/brewing-arts/

Applicants will submit a packet to the committee consisting of the following requirements:

• Proof of acceptance to the Brewing Arts Program and Florida Residency.

• A completed application (below).

• 200 words about your brewing experience.

• 200 words about your favorite beer or experience in the craft.

• 500 words detailing your personal desire to be awarded the scholarship, including your future plans & what you will use the scholarship towards.

Once the requirements above are met, applications may be sent to info@bestfloridabeer.org

(Any inquiries should also be sent to this e-mail.)

(This Scholarship is for the cost of tuition only; any additional fees including but not prohibited to application, travel, supplies, etc. will not be covered by this Organization or the Scholarship outlined above.)