GIA Salutes Education in 2013

GIA Salutes Education in 2013

New U.S. military veteran, GIA Junior Gemologist scholarships

CARLSBAD, Calif. –  U.S. military veterans will have access to new scholarships for advanced gemological education as part of GIA’s (Gemological Institute of America) 2013 international scholarship program. The scholarship application period begins today and will run through Oct. 31. A wide range of other scholarships are also available for on-campus and distance education programs, as well as lab classes.

The 2013 application period marks the debut of the GIA Scholarship Fund for U.S. Veterans. Multiple scholarships for the Accredited Jewelry Professional degree through GIA’s eLearning distance education program are available. To qualify, applicants must include proof of U.S. military service, including reservists and National Guard personnel. 

“GIA created this scholarship fund to honor our courageous veterans and to help those interested in a career in the gem and jewelry industry,” said Donna Baker, president and CEO of GIA. “It is an honor for us to offer scholarships to U.S. military veterans.”

Also available for the first time this year is the Dr. Geoffrey Smith Scholarship for students who previously participated in a GIA Junior Gemologist™ class, which introduces gemology to fourth through 12th graders and meets U.S. curriculum guidelines. Dr. Smith is a long-time GIA volunteer who created the fund as an incentive for Junior Gemologist students passionate about gemology to consider it as a career path. 

Additional international scholarships for on-campus, distance education and lab classes are available. On-campus locations include Bangkok, Carlsbad, Dubai, Hong Kong, London, Mumbai, New York and Taiwan. Students can apply for all scholarships online and indicate an interest in a broad spectrum of courses, ranging from lab and jewelry manufacturing arts to those that go toward a Graduate Gemologist diploma. 

“Our goal is that scholarship recipients will one day excel in their chosen fields,” said Bev Berthoty, institute relations manager at GIA. “As professionals, this group will further GIA’s mission of ensuring the public’s trust in gems and jewelry.”   

The 2013 GIA Scholarship Application is available online. For more information on scholarships, click here.

About GIA

An independent nonprofit organization, GIA (Gemological Institute of America), established in 1931, is recognized as the world’s foremost authority in gemology. GIA invented the famous 4Cs of Color, Cut, Clarity and Carat Weight in the early 1950s and in 1953, created the International Diamond Grading System™ which, today, is recognized by virtually every professional jeweler in the world.

Through research, education, gemological laboratory services, and instrument development, the Institute is dedicated to ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science, and professionalism. Visit www.gia.edu.