Craft x EDU

Championing Inclusion, Equity, and Justice in the Craft Beer Community

Craft x EDU Helps Craft Brewing Businesses Become Opportunity-Makers

By Dr. J Jackson-BeckhamPosted on Posted in Features, Press Releases
March 3, 2020

RICHMOND, VA – Craft x EDU launches a series of Opportunity Fairs beginning with an event in Norfolk, VA, on April 8, 2020, with the generous support of Presenting Brewery Sponsor, New Belgium Brewing Company.

According to the Brewers Association, more than 8,000 breweries now operate in the United States, the vast majority of which (at least 98.5 percent) are brewers of craft beer. Craft breweries and members of allied trades provide more than 550,000 jobs and have an annual economic impact of nearly $80 billion. Because 85 percent of American adults of legal drinking age live within 10 miles of a craft brewer, the craft brewing community is a source of economic opportunity and community engagement in cities and towns of all sizes across the entire U.S.     

For all of the positive achievements of the industry, however, it has yet to engage a diverse range of individuals that are representative of the diversity of communities across the country as consumers or producers. Craft x EDU Executive Director, J Jackson-Beckham, believes the craft brewing community can correct these disparities and serve as a driver of positive social change. “As employers, makers of craft beer and members of the allied trades that support these businesses collectively utilize a staggering variety of job functions and provide career-oriented employment opportunities for individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Whether you have a G.E.D. or a Ph.D., there is a career for you in craft beer,” says Jackson-Beckham, who also serves as the Diversity Ambassador for the Brewers Association, the nonprofit professional association for small and independent brewers in the U.S.

Craft x EDU Opportunity Fairs feature three components: 

  1. Craft Beverage Career Expo – A career fair that allows breweries and members of allied trade to recruit talent with a wide range of interests, experience, and educational training.
  2. Equity and Inclusion Academy – A professional development workshop about recruiting and retaining diverse talent facilitated by Jackson-Beckham.
  3. Taste of Craft Networking Reception – A networking event where expo attendees age 21+ can sample and learn about craft beer while engaging in roundtable conversations with industry experts.

Craft X EDU Opportunity Fairs are made possible by presenting brewery sponsor, New Belgium Brewing Company. Breweries and members of allied trades that wish to participate are urged to visit www.craftxedu.org to learn more about this event and remaining sponsorship opportunities.   

About Craft x EDU

Craft x EDU (pronounced “craft by E-D-U”) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to champion inclusion, equity, and justice in the craft brewing community through education and professional development. Craft x EDU envisions a craft brewing community that reflects the vibrancy and diversity of American communities. We bring together aspiring and established craft beer professionals, craft breweries and members of allied trades, educational and vocational institutions, and enthusiastic craft beer drinkers who want to shape what it means to belong in the craft brewing community while making positive social change for disadvantaged and marginalized communities and individuals in the craft brewing industry and beyond. 

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