St. Pete is on the verge of becoming a true craft beer capital in Florida. Currently, Cage Brewing, Green Bench, 3 Daughters, Pinellas Ale Works, Urban Comfort, St. Pete Brewing Co., Cycle Brewing, the soon to open Flying Boat Brewery and others have emerged as master crafters not just regionally, but nationally. The emergence of St. Petersburg Distillery and Kozuba and Sons Distillery have elevated the Burg's rep. across the country, too. The University of South Florida in St. Pete has always remained ahead of the curve when it comes to innovative education practices. This summer, students at the university will get to study the art and craft of brewing.   

*Photo via 3 Daughters Brewing

The university notes that economic impact reports from the "Brewers Guild of Florida (including direct, indirect and induced effects) were estimated at $301 million in 2012 and $432 million in 2013, with predictions that before long we could see as many as 500 breweries contributing to a total impact upwards of $2.5 billion." USFSP looks to give its students an opportunity to explore this burgeoning passion in a classroom setting. The School of Arts and Sciences has partnered with seven breweries in Tampa Bay for the program. 3 Daughters Brewing and Great Bay Distributing are the lead sponsors of the new program. 

*Photo via Florida Avenue Brewing 

Whether you've worked in a brewery, plan to open your own one day or are simply a hobbiest, this program is designed for all who are curious and ready for a hands on learning experience. The program includes ten online modules in brewing science, engineering and business. Each online module is followed by an assesment to grasp the students comprehension of the material. Once students have completed all of the modules and proven their understanding of the material they will receive hands-on training at a craft brewery and a quality assurance lab. Breweries include:

• 3 Daughters Brewing Company
• Coppertail Brewing Company
• Barley Mow Brewing Company
• Green Bench Brewing Company
• St Pete Brewing Company
• Florida Avenue Brewing Company 

*Photo via Coppertail Brewing

The director of the program, Jim Leonard, a chemistry professor at USFSP, has assemebled a group of faculty and staff will provide a full perspective understanding of what it means to brew and what it takes to make your business a success. The program costs $5,000. Those intending on applying to the program must have prior coursework in chemistry, biology, and algerbra. Following their work in the breweries, students will then be brought to one of five quality assurance labs:

• 3 Daughters Brewing Company
• Green Bench Brewing Company
• Cigar City Brewing Company
• Coppertail Brewing Company
• Barley Mow Brewing Company

For more information about the program you can email the director: jdleonard@mail.usf.edu. Visit their official website to learn more about what this exciting new program offers.