A unique educational experience unfolds at Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) with the Fountain Hill Brewery, a student-run taproom where aspiring brewers craft and serve their own beer. This public taproom operates for three hours each week, providing practical training in the brewing process for students enrolled in the Craft Brewing Certificate program.

Under the guidance of Assistant Professor Allison Hoekstra, students engage in various aspects of brewing. They are responsible for writing recipes, brewing, and kegging the beer, which is later served to customers. The taproom is open on select Thursdays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., showcasing a rotating selection of craft beers created by the students, alongside appetizers made by culinary arts students and chef-professors.

Hoekstra emphasized the program’s focus on teaching every stage of brewing, from safety and sanitation to the final moment when customers enjoy the students’ creations. The taproom offers a social setting for students to gather feedback on their brews, and many of them find it rewarding to interact with guests.

Between 30 to 80 visitors frequent the taproom each week, purchasing pints priced between $5 and $7. Proceeds from the brewery directly support the Craft Brewery program, with a portion of tips contributing to student scholarships. The brewery has also become a community hub, hosting events that celebrate women in the brewing industry and offering to-go beers.

The overarching goal of the Craft Brewing Certificate program is to prepare students for successful careers in the brewing industry. Many alumni go on to work in local breweries or associated businesses, showcasing the ongoing growth of Grand Rapids as a notable beer hub, often referred to as “Beer City, USA.”

Hoekstra reflects on the fulfillment of witnessing her students’ growth, particularly when they showcase their own recipes at local beer festivals. Such achievements highlight the program’s success in nurturing talent within the brewing community.