(PRESS RELEASE) NEW YORK, NY — Jewelers of America (JA), the national trade association for businesses serving the fine jewelry marketplace, announced the recipients of the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship and the Jewelers of America Scholarship programs for 2025. The Holtzman scholarship supports bringing new talent into the bench jeweler profession, while Jewelers of America scholarships are awarded to employees at JA member stores toward industry diploma, professional development, and certification programs.
This year the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship was awarded by Jewelers of America to three students: Baylor Adams at New Approach School for Jewelers; Jasmine Barros at North Bennet Street School; and Gabriella Badami at Savannah College of Art and Design. The program awarded a total of $15,000 toward their tuition at an accredited bench jeweler or metalsmith education program.
“My mother, Evelyn Holtzman, is again proud to provide three recipients with the Seymour and Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship. This scholarship reflects our family’s commitment to supporting the future of bench jewelers and our industry,” says Steven Holtzman, Vice Chairman of CD Peacock.
Now in its second year, the partnership between Jewelers of America and the Holtzman family saw increased interest and applicants in its second year. Recipients were selected by the JA Scholarship Review Board, consisting of staff and members of JA’s Board of Directors and the Holtzman Review Committee.
In addition to the Bench Scholarships, Jewelers of America awarded 23 scholarships for an additional $27,000 toward award programs and certification at renowned education providers including American Gem Society (AGS), Diamond Council of America (DCA), Gemological Institute of America (GIA), and National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA). Recipients of the scholarships must work at a JA Member store and be at least 18 years of age.
“Finding qualified and professional bench jewelers is one of the biggest challenges our industry is facing. These scholarship programs give students a leg-up on pursuing bench and other jewelry education and eventually their dreams,” says JA President & CEO David Bonaparte.
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For more information, visit https://www.jewelers.org/member-center/resources/scholarships or contact JA’s Member Services at (800) 223-0673.
