(PRESS RELEASE) NEW YORK — Diamond Council of America (DCA) — a non-profit organization that provides quality, affordable distance education and the opportunity to earn professional certifications in diamonds, colored gemstones and fine jewelry sales — announced that they have received a $25,000 grant from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), a recognized leader in gem and jewelry education, to provide scholarships to DCA graduates to enroll in GIA online distance education courses.
“DCA appreciates this exceptional gesture by GIA to work together to provide our students an opportunity to continue their education and improve their professional profile. This generous grant will allow DCA students to continue their education in advanced coursework offered only by GIA,” says DCA President/CEO Terry Chandler.
Scholarships are open to DCA members and their employees who are: at least 18-years old, currently employed at a DCA member store, a graduate of at least one DCA course and not already enrolled in another distance education course from GIA.
DCA will administer the scholarships funded by the GIA grant. Applications will be accepted through December 31, 2021. Scholarships may be applied toward any of the following GIA eLearning courses, based on availability: Jewelry Essentials, Colored Stone Essentials, Diamond Essentials, Pearls, Colored Stones, Diamonds and Diamond Grading, and Gem Identification.
Scholarship applications should be submitted to DCA via email to Carey Miller at cmiller@jewelers.org.
For more information about DCA or to become a member, visit diamondcouncil.org.