# The Habibi Sommelier Scholarship Program > Wine School of Philadelphia + The Hue Society Habibi Sommelier Scholarship Your career in wine can start here. A $10,000 annual scholarship program for professional wine education, created by Tahiirah Habibi and the Wine School of Philadelphia. 100% tuition scholarships… > URL: https://www.vinology.com/hue/ > Last modified: 2026-10-15T14:25:12+00:00 Wine School of Philadelphia + The Hue Society # Habibi Sommelier Scholarship Your career in wine can start here. A $10,000 annual scholarship program for professional wine education, created by Tahiirah Habibi and the Wine School of Philadelphia. - **100% tuition scholarships** - **Philadelphia + nationwide online programs** - **No previous wine experience required** [Apply for a Scholarship](#applyhue)[See the Two Pathways](#pathways)Applications are open and reviewed on a rolling basis. Applicants must be at least 21 years old and U.S. residents. Tahiirah Habibi, founder of The Hue Society and Wine School of Philadelphia alumna 100% ### Funded Tuition and required program costs are covered for selected recipients. 2 ### Pathways Core Sommelier in Philadelphia or [Level One](https://www.vinology.com/introductory-wine-courses/) certification online nationwide. 0 ### Prerequisites No previous wine education, certification or wine-industry employment is required. Choose your pathway ## Which scholarship is right for you? Both pathways are professional wine-education programs. Choose the format that best fits your location, experience and goals. Philadelphia ### Core Sommelier Scholarship Professional sommelier training in Center City Philadelphia. - In-person instruction - Level Two + Level Three certification - Classroom wines included - Examinations included - Professional credentials through the National Wine School - Level One is not required before entering Core **Important:** Travel, transportation and lodging in Philadelphia are not included. [Apply for Philadelphia](#applyhue)Nationwide ### Level One Wine Certification Scholarship Start professional [wine education online](https://www.vinology.com/best-wine-shop-online-buy-wine-online/) from anywhere in the United States. - 100% online - Beginner-friendly - Professional wine certification - Tuition included - Examination included - Available to applicants nationwide Philadelphia-area applicants may choose the online pathway if it works better for them. [Apply for Online Level One](#applyhue)[Learn more about the online wine school →](https://www.vinology.com/online-wine-school/) A full-circle scholarship ## Tahiirah started here, too. In 2005, Tahiirah Habibi was a student in the Core [Sommelier Program at the Wine](https://www.vinology.com/how-to-become-a-sommelier/) School of Philadelphia, with Keith Wallace as her instructor. She went on to build a national career in wine, found The Hue Society and become the first Black woman featured on the cover of *Wine Enthusiast*. More than twenty years later, Tahiirah and the Wine School are working together to open that same door for another generation of wine professionals. The Habibi Sommelier Scholarship is intended for people with the ability and ambition to move forward in wine, but who have faced financial, professional or access barriers. “This partnership is a deeply personal, full-circle moment for me.” Tahiirah Habibi Founder, The Hue SocietyFounded in 2026 Recipients are selected collaboratively by Tahiirah Habibi and Keith Wallace based on merit, motivation, potential, financial need and barriers to access. Who should apply? ## You do not need to already work in wine. Professional wine education can be a first step, a career change or the credential that helps you move forward in a field you already know. - You are interested in building a career in wine. - You already work in hospitality and want stronger professional credentials. - You are considering a career change. - You have wanted professional wine education but cost has been a barrier. - You do not have industry connections or a clear path into the trade. - You are a current or former Wine School student who needs help continuing your education. - You have never taken a professional wine class before. **You do not need previous wine education. You do not need a certification. You do not need to already work in wine.** What matters is what you hope to do with the opportunity. How it works ## Four steps from application to education 1 ### Apply Tell us about yourself, your goals and the barriers that have made professional wine education difficult to pursue. 2 ### Review Tahiirah and Keith review applications for merit, motivation, potential, financial need and barriers to access. 3 ### Interview Applicants being considered further may receive an email interview, typically within 30 days of applying. 4 ### Begin Selected recipients enroll in either an upcoming Philadelphia Core Sommelier Program or the nationwide online Level One program. ### What we consider - Merit and motivation - Professional potential - Financial barriers - Access barriers - How the education could affect your professional development The scholarship is not simply awarded to the applicant with the longest résumé. ### Before you apply - Applicants must be 21+ and U.S. residents. - Applications are open on a rolling basis. - There is no fixed number of awards each year. - Applicants may reapply once per quarter if not selected. - Recipients must be comfortable being publicly identified and participating in reasonable scholarship publicity. The scholarship continues ## Our first scholarship recipient will be announced shortly. The first award is only the beginning. Applications remain open, and additional recipients will continue to be considered throughout the year as compelling applicants emerge and funding and program capacity allow. [You Could Be Next — Apply](#applyhue)Questions ## Frequently asked questions Do I need previous wine experience?No. Previous wine experience, wine education and professional certification are not required. Do I have to already work in wine?No. Existing wine professionals are encouraged to apply, but restaurant and hospitality workers, career changers, current students, alumni and people only beginning to consider a [wine career](https://www.vinology.com/getting-started-in-wine/) are also eligible. Do I have to live in Philadelphia?No. U.S. residents anywhere in the country may apply for the online Level One scholarship. Anyone able to attend classes in Center City Philadelphia may apply for the in-person Core Sommelier scholarship. What does the Philadelphia scholarship cover?The scholarship covers 100% of the Core Sommelier Program, including tuition, classroom instruction, wines tasted during class, examinations and professional credentials. Travel, transportation and lodging are not included. What does the online scholarship cover?The online scholarship covers 100% of the Level One Wine Certification Program, including tuition, the examination and certification. Is there an application deadline?No. Applications are currently open and accepted on an ongoing basis. How many scholarships are awarded?There is no fixed number. The Wine School of Philadelphia commits $10,000 annually to the scholarship fund. Awards are made throughout the year depending on the applicants selected, available funding and the program each recipient chooses. Who selects the recipients?Tahiirah Habibi and Keith Wallace select recipients collaboratively based on merit, motivation, potential, financial need and barriers to access. Do recipients have to participate in publicity?Yes. Recipients must be willing to be publicly identified and participate in reasonable publicity connected to the scholarship. A positive testimonial is never required. Applications are open ## Apply for the Habibi Sommelier Scholarship PhoneThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.Student Name(Required) First Last Date of Birth(Required) Previous Wine Education (if applicable)If you have attended wine school in the past, please list it here. 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Online (Level One) In-Person Philadelphia (Core Sommelier) LinkedIn PageIf you are currently working in the food or wine trade, please include your Linkedin page here. Social MediaYou can share a social media account here, if you think it is relevant. Short Essay-Scholarship(Required)In a few words (200 or less) please tell us why you are a great candidate for this Scholarship. What are your goals? Short Essay – BarriersAre there financial, professional or access barriers that have made it difficult for you to pursue wine education? If so, tell us about them Complete Application Save & Continue Δ ## About the partnership The Habibi Sommelier Scholarship is a collaboration between Tahiirah Habibi, The Hue Society and the Wine School of Philadelphia. Scholarship recipients complete the same professional programs, examinations and credentialing requirements as other students. **Wine School of Philadelphia** 109 S. 22nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103 If professional wine education could help you take the next step — or the first one — we encourage you to apply.