The Alchemist Foundation
We’re a private foundation created by John & Jen Kimmich, co-founders of the Alchemist Brewery, to expand economic & educational opportunity for local youth. We’re passionate about making sure every young person knows that they have a positive future in Vermont, and can explore the many paths to realizing their dreams.
Our Mission
Support educational and economic opportunity and community engagement for our youth.
Our Goal
Strengthen education, skills & opportunity beyond high school by: Awarding direct scholarships; Providing support for training programs; Building connections between young people & employers.
Our Target Area & Population
From Harwood Union High School (Mad River Valley) to Lamoille Union High School (Hyde Park); Includes students attending Central VT Tech & Green Mountain Tech
The Challenge
Approximately 350 young people will graduate from schools in our area in early June.
200 of them will go on to a training program or
college. 150 will not.
Most of the well-paying jobs in our region require some kind of training, and many of the employers are looking to hire folks with some training and education.
We want to make sure all of these young people have the opportunity to earn a good living and live a successful life.
So What are We Doing?
In 2024, we offered twelve scholarships to June graduates who are going on to a training program or education directly after high school.
This is the Alchemist Opportunity Fund Scholarship.
We are
talking to everyone— students, teachers,
employers, folks from training programs, local
organizations, business groups— to find out
what’s happening and what’s working to help
young people build the skills they need to get
good jobs.
We support programs and make grants to increase local
opportunities.
So What Can You Do?
Tell all the young people you know (if they go to one of our high schools) about the scholarship! Send them the website link, tell them to connect with us, encourage them to invest in themselves!
OUR HIGH SCHOOLS:
--Harwood Union
--Hazen Union
--Stowe High
--Peoples Academy
--Lamoille Union
--Green Mountain Tech
--Central Vermont Tech
Also, share what you know about succeeding at work.
What are the kinds of things young
people need to be taught, be trained in, to
understand? What kind of help and support do
people need? All ideas are welcome!
About
The Alchemist Opportunity Fund is a community scholarship fund for local students by The Alchemist. John and Jen Kimmich, the owners of The Alchemist Brewery in Waterbury & Stowe, have developed the Alchemist Foundation and this scholarship fund as one of the ways they give back to our community. To date, scholarships have been awarded to 160 students.
Grants
The Foundation makes small (generally $3,000 or less) unrestricted grants to organizations working to expand equity and opportunity for youth in Vermont. We donate to support school programs, nonprofit equity training, and other projects designed to make Vermont more inclusive and welcoming.
Scholarships
The Alchemist Foundation is funding multi-year scholarships for graduating students from local schools who meet certain criteria. We’re committed to working with local businesses, organizations and community members to make it possible for every local graduate to get the skills and training they need for a successful career in Vermont.
Questions?
Wondering if you should apply? Not sure if you qualify? Curious about what kind of programs you can use the scholarship for? Need help? Just ask! Send us an email and we will get back to you as soon as possible!