Ever imagined a university completely dedicated to the cannabis industry? And no, this isn’t Oaksterdam. Former NBA star Chris Webber and rapper Berner have come together to create a new institution for learning about weed and now applications are open! Berner’s lifestyle and cannabis company, Cookies, is teaming up with the Webber Wild Foundation to create Cookies Campus, aka Cookies U.
Continue reading to learn more about Cookies U and how to apply below.
Mending the Gap
Cookies Campus’ goal is to give an opportunity to communities that have been affected or marginalized during the War on Drugs. This “war” began in 1971 under President Nixon, and it refers to a multitude of legislatures and government programs that punished people for the sale and possession of drugs.
Many today consider The War on Drugs to be an utter failure, but furthermore an attack on the opportunity. There are countless families and individuals who have had their lives obstructed by brutal possession laws.
Now, as cannabis becomes normalized in America, there are many who were still never compensated for the time, money, or livelihood that they or their family lost. When you consider this, the amount of individuals from oppressed neighborhoods that are working in the business legally today is much lower than it should be in reality. This is the social equity gap that Cookies U is looking to bridge.
Image via @cookiesenterprises on Instagram
Webber and Berner
Bringing up people of color in the cannabis industry is one of the main goals of The Webber Wild Foundation. “Not only have minorities been excessively punished and incarcerated for cannabis while others profited,” Webber said to Forbes. “But they have had unequal access to education, which perpetuates cycles of low-pay and unemployment.”
He went on to say working with Cookies “diversified” the Foundation’s representation in the cannabis business. Collaborating allowed them to “provide people from these communities with the tools they need for long-term success.”
The two groups share a common understanding. Furthermore, they know just how serious of a challenge sector diversity can become, and how big it already is today. Berner comments further: “Cookies U provides a path for people who have risked their freedom to be in this industry or have not been able to access cannabis jobs because of disparities in circumstances.”
Cookies U Campus Lifestyle
The program Cookies Campus offers will enroll a handful of students that are eligible for this society equity opportunity. Additionally, the courses provided will teach them every facet of the cannabis supply chain from financing to growing. On top of this, Cookies U is paying for all of the expenses. In other words, room and board will also be covered for the 2.5 months it will take to complete the courses.
According to their website, Cookies Campus has several distinct facilities. Some to note are a greenhouse, a retail location, and even a “Consumption Lounge.”
Image via Instagram
Certainly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Cookies U is a glimpse at a brighter future. One where opportunity is not obstructed, and it’s all fair game in the business. Be sure to check out the Cookies brand as well as Webber’s Foundation to learn more about the people behind this program.
How to Apply
Cookies U applications are now open and the application process is simple! To apply you just need to answer around 30 questions. Some of which will ask you about defining social equity and your goals. Additionally, the application will also ask you how you feel about living in a very remote and rural area. This is because if selected you will be completing your education in Humboldt, CA. The county is around 270 miles north of San Francisco with a collective population of around 136,463 people.
At the end of the application, you will be asked to upload two of three things: your resume, a cover letter, or a video that serves in place of what would be communicated in a cover letter. And then you are done, now all you have to do is wait to hear back.
If you apply, remember that the substance of your application is revered more than a speedy entry. Experience isn’t required but they want people dedicated to working in the cannabis industry. Furthermore, although this is a learning experience, there may be employment opportunities offered to students afterward.
For those interested, applications are open again until August 5th. You can find the application here.
