Press Releases

GIA to Offer 125 Scholarships Totaling More Than $500K

Published

8 years ago

February 19, 2016

INSTORE Staff

(Press Release)
CARLSBAD, CA – Beginning Tuesday, March 1, prospective GIA students will have the opportunity to apply for more than 125 scholarships, totaling more than $500,000, for the Institute’s Gemology and Jewelry Manufacturing Arts programs, courses and lab classes. The scholarship application period will run through April 30. Directions on how to apply online are available here.

Since 2013, GIA has awarded more than $3.5 million in scholarships to nearly 1,000 students. Scholarships are funded by the GIA endowment fund and several private donors.

“The gem and jewelry industry is vibrant, global and diverse, and continues to evolve. By giving a financial boost to those seeking a gem and jewelry education, we can help usher in the next generation of trained professionals,” says Bev Hori, GIA’s senior vice president and chief learning officer. “GIA has educated more than 365,000 professionals worldwide, and we look forward to instructing even more and preparing them for a rewarding career.”

Scholarships are available for distance education eLearning courses and for classes at the Institute’s campuses in Bangkok, Carlsbad, Dubai, Hong Kong, London, Mumbai, New York and Taiwan. Applicants will be considered for all available awards – ranging from $500 to $22,000 – for on-campus and eLearning courses, programs or lab classes. 2016 scholarship highlights include:

Two scholarships will be offered in honor of Richard T. Liddicoat, the former GIA president who’s considered the “Father of Modern Gemology.” One full scholarship is for the on-campus Graduate Gemologist (GG) program, and another goes toward the Distance Education GG program.
Two scholarships will be offered in honor of Bert Krashes, the former GIA vice president and member of the GIA Board of Governors. One full scholarship is for the on-campus GG program, and another goes toward the Distance Education GG program.
Two scholarships will be offered in honor of Eunice Miles, GIA’s first female gemologist who’s often referred to as the “Grande Dame of Gemology.” One full scholarship is for the on-campus GG program, and another goes toward the Distance Education GG program.
The 2016 Tawfic Farah Memorial Scholarship will award full tuition for an on-campus student in Taiwan to pursue his or her GG diploma.
The GIA Scholarship for U.S. Veterans will award scholarships of up to $1,500 each for Distance Education courses, programs or lab classes.
Kara Ross, Tiffany & Co., and William Goldberg Diamond Co. will each offer a $10,000 scholarship toward a gemology course or program.
Kazanjian will award two $10,000 scholarships for any gemology course or program. Preference is given to extremely high-need applicants with no family members in the jewelry business.

The next scholarship application period is from Aug. 1 through Sept. 30. For more information, visit GIA.edu/scholarships, call 760.603.4131 or email scholarship@gia.edu.

This Third-Generation Jeweler Was Ready for Retirement. He Called Wilkerson

Retirement is never easy, especially when it means the end to a business that was founded in 1884. But for Laura and Sam Sipe, it was time to put their own needs first. They decided to close J.C. Sipe Jewelers, one of Indianapolis’ most trusted names in fine jewelry, and call Wilkerson. “Laura and I decided the conditions were right,” says Sam. Wilkerson handled every detail in their going-out-of-business sale, from marketing to manning the sales floor. “The main goal was to sell our existing inventory that’s all paid for and turn that into cash for our retirement,” says Sam. “It’s been very, very productive.” Would they recommend Wilkerson to other jewelers who want to enjoy their golden years? Absolutely! “Call Wilkerson,” says Laura. “They can help you achieve your goals so you’ll be able to move into retirement comfortably.”