Events & AwardsMar 02, 2022
WJA Foundation Announces Grant WinnersEvents & AwardsMar 23, 2022
WJA to Award $25K in GIA Diversity Scholarships
The scholarships will go to those in underrepresented communities, including BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ students.
The WJA Foundation will award $25,000 in student scholarships that can be used toward on-campus or online courses offered by GIA Education.
New York—The Gemological Institute of America has pledged to fund new diversity scholarships in partnership with the Women’s Jewelry Association Foundation.
The WJA Foundation will award $25,000 in student scholarships to those in underrepresented communities, including BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ students.
The scholarship funds can be used toward on-campus or online courses offered by GIA Education.
Applicants can select from a variety of GIA’s offerings, including its online Applied Jewelry Professional (AJP) diploma program and its “Diamond Essentials” and “Diamonds and Diamond Grading” courses, or its on-campus Graduate Colored Stones diploma program and “Jewelry Design” certificate course.
“We know that access to education and capital are two important factors preventing well-deserving students and emerging designers from succeeding in the industry,” said Brandee Dallow, WJA Foundation president.
“WJA Foundation is thrilled to receive this generous funding from GIA to enable our organization to support more students who wish to enter the industry and professionals who are seeking to finish their studies without taking on a heavy financial burden.”
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The WJA Foundation will award $25,000 in student scholarships to those in underrepresented communities, including BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ students.
The scholarship funds can be used toward on-campus or online courses offered by GIA Education.
Applicants can select from a variety of GIA’s offerings, including its online Applied Jewelry Professional (AJP) diploma program and its “Diamond Essentials” and “Diamonds and Diamond Grading” courses, or its on-campus Graduate Colored Stones diploma program and “Jewelry Design” certificate course.
“We know that access to education and capital are two important factors preventing well-deserving students and emerging designers from succeeding in the industry,” said Brandee Dallow, WJA Foundation president.
“WJA Foundation is thrilled to receive this generous funding from GIA to enable our organization to support more students who wish to enter the industry and professionals who are seeking to finish their studies without taking on a heavy financial burden.”
The scholarships are open to new GIA students as well as those who are already enrolled in GIA’s Distance Education Program and are seeking funds to register for their next course or lab class.
“WJA Foundation is dedicated to providing educational and business opportunities that allow individuals to reach their full potential,” said WJA Executive Director Jennifer Markas.
“We recognize that we operate in an industry that has many barriers to entry, especially for those from underserved communities. WJA Foundation is committed to being a more inclusive organization and will continue evaluating its funding model to enable more emerging talent to start and elevate their careers in jewelry, gemstones or timepieces. We aim to continue growing and learning as an organization and presenting more opportunities like these in the future.”
To learn more about GIA education, visit the GIA website.
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