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RAPAPORT...
U.S. military veterans will have access to new scholarships for advanced gemological education as part of the Gemological Institute of America's (GIA) 2013 international scholarship program. The scholarship application period will run through October 31, 2012. In addition, there is a range of other scholarships available for on-campus and distance education programs, as well as for lab classes. The 2013 application period marks the debut of the GIA Scholarship Fund for U.S. Veterans. Multiple scholarships for the Accredited Jewelry Professional degree through GIA’s eLearning distance education program are available. To qualify, applicants must include proof of U.S. military service, including reservists and National Guard personnel. “GIA created this scholarship fund to honor our courageous veterans and to help those interested in a career in the gem and jewelry industry,” said Donna Baker, the president of GIA. “It is an honor for us to offer scholarships to U.S. military veterans.” Also available for the first time this year is the Dr. Geoffrey Smith Scholarship for students who previously participated in a GIA Junior Gemologist™ class, which introduces gemology to fourth through 12th graders and meets U.S. curriculum guidelines. Dr. Smith is a long-time GIA volunteer who created the fund as an incentive for junior gemologist students passionate about gemology to consider it as a career path. Additional international scholarships for on-campus, distance education and lab classes are available. On-campus locations include Bangkok, Carlsbad, Dubai, Hong Kong, London, Mumbai, New York and Taiwan. Students can apply for all scholarships online and indicate an interest in a broad spectrum of courses, ranging from lab and jewelry manufacturing arts to those that go toward a Graduate Gemologist diploma. “Our goal is that scholarship recipients will one day excel in their chosen fields,” said Bev Berthoty, the institute relations manager at GIA. “As professionals, this group will further GIA’s mission of ensuring the public’s trust in gems and jewelry.”
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