ROOTED IN FRANCE SCHOLARSHIP
Since 2021, BSB has partnered with The Roots Fund scholarship program, becoming the first European business school to join this international initiative committed to diversity and inclusion in the wine and spirits industry.
BSB and The Roots Fund: A pioneering partnership for diversity in the wine sector
Founded in the United States, The Roots Fund is a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing inequality in access to careers within the wine industry. It supports students from underrepresented minorities who wish to build their professional future in the world of wine by combining financial aid, mentorship, and career guidance. Through the “Rooted in France” scholarship program, recipients gain access not only to tuition funding but also to a genuine international professional network, facilitating their entry into an industry that still lacks diversity.
"Rooted in France" Scholarship Amount Awarded
Through this partnership, BSB and the BSB Foundation cover tuition fees for scholarship recipients, while The Roots Fund covers all of their living expenses (housing, food, etc.). This comprehensive support system allows talented students to focus entirely on their education and professional goals.
Ikimi DUBOSE-WOODSON
Giving a person of color the opportunity to study and live abroad is one of the many reasons we created our organization.
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What are the eligibility requirements for the "Rooted in France" scholarship?
- Be a U.S. citizen and student looking to build an international career in the wine and spirits sector.
- Be from an underrepresented minority group and committed to fostering openness and diversity within the wine and spirits industries.
- Be a graduate of a Historically Black College or University (HBCU), institutions recognized for their essential role in providing higher education access to African American communities.
What is the application process?
To apply for the Rooted in France scholarship, you must first apply directly through The Roots Fund using their dedicated selection process. Applications are then reviewed in two successive stages:
- Initial selection by The Roots Fund, which evaluates applications based on eligibility criteria, academic background, and the candidates' professional projects.
- Final selection by an internal BSB committee, composed of the Program Director, the International Recruitment Director, the International Competitions Manager, and the Budget Controller.
Who are the recipients of The Roots Fund scholarship?
This scholarship program is specifically aimed at students of BSB's School of Wine & Spirits Business. It allows you to benefit from concrete support to develop your career in the wine world, while joining an international dynamic focused on inclusion, excellence, and equal opportunity. Discover the testimonials of our "Rooted in France" scholarship recipients:
It was my late grandfather who introduced me to wine. He grew grapes in his garden, and what started as a simple pleasure became a bond between us. He always told me, "Whatever you do, don't forget my grapes." When I lost him, wine became more than just a drink, it became a connection to him, to our memories, and to my roots. Thanks to the ‘Rooted in France’ scholarship, studying in Burgundy allowed me to deepen that legacy.
As the first woman in my family to earn a university degree, this opportunity meant even more to me. My time in France gave me much more than just a discovery of wine, incredible cuisine, and a rich culture. It taught me the importance of networking and gave me the confidence to take my place in environments where I once felt intimidated. The relationships and skills I gained during this experience will stay with me forever.
Today, I work full-time in Finance, but my passion for wine continues to shape my entrepreneurial journey. I organize private tastings, restaurant tastings, and wine experiences for companies. As I continue to grow my consulting business, I rely heavily on the skills I strengthened at BSB.
The Roots Fund and the BSB Foundation gave me much more than just a study-abroad experience. They helped me honor my grandfather, showcase my family's legacy, and confidently approach a future where I can combine finance, entrepreneurship, and wine with purpose. For that, I will be eternally grateful.
The partnership made possible through the commitment of the BSB Foundation
This strategic partnership was born from the commitment of Jeremy Seysses of Domaine Dujac, a BSB Foundation Board Member, whose involvement was instrumental in facilitating and finalizing this high-impact collaboration. By partnering with The Roots Fund, BSB reinforces its commitment to social openness and diversity in the wine industry, in line with the values upheld by its School of Wine & Spirits Business.
Having connections in both France and the United States, I saw this American initiative as an interesting bridge to build with France—a way to create connections for American students that go beyond their own country, while also fostering the development of the French community.
