Support Learn By Doing
The College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences and the Wine and Viticulture Department are committed to providing students with hands-on experiential learning in the fields of viticulture, enology, wine business and more. With private support from alumni, friends, and industry partners, we enhance and expand Learn by Doing opportunities for students from in the classroom to the vineyard to the tasting room – and beyond!
Your financial support matters.
Donations can be made to the Wine and Viticulture Department to support student scholarships, facilities, research, on-campus work experience and clubs. Consider making a charitable contribution to one or more of the following:
WVIT Student Support
Gifts to the WVIT Student Support fund play a pivotal role in ensuring every student receives the best educational experience at Cal Poly. This fund is used to benefit students across the department, supporting our hands-on sensory analysis program, providing cutting-edge technology and equipment for research programs and teaching labs and contributing to the success of our viticulture, enology, sensory and business education concentrations. Your contribution to this fund directly impacts the educational quality and opportunities available to wine and viticulture students at Cal Poly.
Learn by Going
A contribution to the Learn by Going fund is a commitment to enhancing students' educational journey beyond traditional classrooms. This fund facilitates invaluable out-of-classroom experiences, including winery and vineyard visits, attendance at conferences such as the American Society for Enology and Viticulture and Unified Wine and Grape Symposium, and participation in immersive programs like the California Wine Tour and European Wine Tour. By supporting this fund, you directly contribute to broadening students' perspectives and enriching their education outside of the classroom.
Earn by Doing
The Earn by Doing fund is dedicated to fostering hands-on work experiences for students on campus. By sponsoring student interns engaged in vineyard work, winery activities, and lab work related to commercial production and research program, your gift empowers students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. This fund not only supports the professional development of future industry leaders but also strengthens Cal Poly's position as a hub for experiential learning.
Other Ways to Give
In Kind Gifts
Donations of equipment, software and other company products and/or services allow funds that would otherwise be used to purchase these items go to other urgent needs within the department.
Planned Gifts
Designate Cal Poly’s Wine and Viticulture program as a beneficiary in your will or living trust. Learn more about the variety of ways to make a planned gift by clicking here.
Matching Gift Program
Double your donation through a matching gift from your employer. Find your employer’s matching gift program here.
Become an Advocate, Ambassador, or Volunteer
Provide internships or employment opportunities for current students and recent graduates. Learn more here.
Become a guest speaker or lecturer. Industry professionals and alumni are invited to share their professional experience as guest speakers in our courses and club meetings.
Networking – Follow us on social media, connect with our alumni on LinkedIn, and share your ideas.
For more information about giving opportunities, please contact:
Erica Nordby
Director of Development
College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences
Email: nordby@calpoly.edu
Cell: 805-305-4567