Connect with us

Press Releases

New Scholarship | Ben Bridge Jeweler X Black in Jewelry Coalition

The Lonia Tate scholarship.

mm

Published

on

New Scholarship | Ben Bridge Jeweler X Black in Jewelry Coalition

(PRESS RELEASE) Ben Bridge Jeweler is sponsoring “The Lonia Tate Scholarship” available through Black in Jewelry Coalition.

Scholarship Description

This scholarship, sponsored by Ben Bridge Jeweler, is awarded in memory of Lonia Tate, Registered Jeweler, and long-term associate at Ben Bridge Jeweler. Lonia was passionate about the jewelry industry, was heavily involved in community service, and served as the first Black President of the Seattle Chapter of Executive Women International. In her honor, we offer this scholarship for the GIA Graduate Gemology Program (distance learning only). This scholarship includes an internship* with Ben Bridge Jeweler following the completion of the gemological program. This scholarship and internship is for a minority candidate who intends to have a career in the fine jewelry industry.

Eligibility and Criteria for Selection

  • Qualified applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of GIA course enrollment, and not already enrolled in courses at GIA.
  • Qualified applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. and must be American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian/Asian American, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino or Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander.
  • Qualified applicants must have a high school diploma or GED at the time of registration to GIA – GIA requires a transcript to enroll.
  • Qualified applicants must sign an agreement attested to their intention to complete the GIA Graduate Gemologist Program in the time allotted by GIA.
  • Scholarship winner will have a strong desire to work in the gem and jewelry industry.
  • Scholarship winner will be selected from one of the following US states in which Ben Bridge Jeweler operates: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Minnesota, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, and Washington State.
  • Scholarship winner will have a demonstrated commitment and impact on their community through community service, as that was a big part of who Lonia was.
Advertisement

Required Submissions

  • Proof of high school diploma;
  • Proof of citizenship (or permanent residency);
  • Essays describing:
    • Why would you like to pursue a GIA Graduate Gemologist Diploma? (no more than 100 words);
    • What career do you envision after completing the Graduate Gemologist Program? (no more than 100 words);
    • Why you are the best candidate? (no more than 100 words);
    • Describe how your community service has had an impact;
  • Certification of intent to complete GIA Graduate Gemologist course.

Timing

  • Applications must be submitted by April 30, 2021 to be considered;
  • Winners will be announced by May 7, 2021.

Award

One scholarship for the successful completion of the GIA Graduate Gemologist Program (distance learning only). The approximate value for the program and appropriate equipment is $10,000.

Required Contact Information

  • Name, Address, Mobile Phone, Email, Social Media Handle (optional)

Sumbission: Fill out the application and submit the required information here.

Advertisement
Advertisement

SPONSORED VIDEO

Four Decades of Excellence: How Wilkerson Transformed a Jeweler's Retirement into Celebration

After 45 years serving the Milwaukee community, Treiber & Straub Jewelers owner Michael Straub faced a significant life transition. At 75, the veteran jeweler made a personal decision many business owners understand: "I think it's time. I want to enjoy my wife with my grandchildren for the next 10, 15 years." Wilkerson's expertise transformed this major business transition into an extraordinary success. Their comprehensive approach to managing the going-out-of-business sale created unprecedented customer response—with lines forming outside the store and limits on how many shoppers could enter at once due to fire safety regulations. The results exceeded all expectations. "Wilkerson did a phenomenal job," Straub enthuses. "They were there for you through the whole thing, helped you with promoting it, helping you on day-to-day business. I can't speak enough for how well they did." The partnership didn't just facilitate a business closing; it created a celebratory finale to decades of service while allowing Straub to confidently step into his well-earned retirement.

Promoted Headlines

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe


BULLETINS

INSTORE helps you become a better jeweler
with the biggest daily news headlines and useful tips.
(Mailed 5x per week.)

Most Popular