(PRESS RELEASE) The MJSA Education Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to career and training initiatives for students and workers throughout the jewelry industry, has launched a new fundraising program that features a matching challenge from its Diamond Sponsor, National Chain Group.
The campaign features four sponsorship tiers that can accommodate all levels of contributions, with each providing a range of promotional opportunities and recognition. All donations will go toward the Foundation’s efforts to enhance the industry’s workforce and maintain its competitiveness—and each dollar raised up to $5,000 will be matched by National Chain, a premier provider of products and services for jewelry manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and large-volume retailers.
“To continue to thrive, the jewelry industry needs a well-trained workforce and a healthy pipeline for the next generation of jewelers,” says Steve Cipolla (right), chairman of the Foundation and president of National Chain Group. “The MJSA Education Foundation provides the tools and initiatives to meet both of those goals. It’s crucial for those of us who benefit from the Foundation’s activities to give back and support them. I encourage everyone to join me in supporting these important initiatives.”
The Foundation is a 501(c)3 subsidiary of MJSA, the trade alliance dedicated to professional excellence in jewelry making and design. It has initiated several new programs during the past year, including the industry’s first organized Mentor & Apprenticeship Program (which recently received approval as a National Guidelines Standard from the U.S. Department of Labor). It also is currently accepting scholarship applications from students interested in pursuing careers in jewelry making and design.
All contributions to the fundraising campaign will go toward the Foundation’s goals for the coming year:
- Expand the reach of the apprenticeship program, add additional online resources and instruction, and secure a pathway for jewelers who adopt its curriculum to gain access to federal funding, technical assistance, and state tax credits.
- Develop more professional development programs, both online and in person, working with schools and industry organizations throughout the country.
- Increase the number of scholarships available to students intent on jewelry careers.
To learn more about the Foundation’s initiatives and donate, go to MJSA.info/foundation.
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