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GIA Has a New Scholarship for High School Students in San Diego
The spring application window closes on March 31.
The Gemological Institute of America has introduced its new GIA Aspire Scholarship, which is available to students in select San Diego County schools.
Carlsbad, Calif.— The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has opened its spring application cycle for merit-based scholarships, and it has a new offering for high school students in San Diego County.
The application window is open from now until March 31, and students can submit an application through the online portal to be considered for all available scholarships, including the newest, the GIA Aspire Scholarship.
Up to $100,000 will be allocated to the new GIA Aspire Scholarship, which is available to graduating high school seniors or recent alumni from these four San Diego County high schools: Steele Canyon High School, Rancho Buena Vista High School, Alta Vista High School, and Health Sciences High and Middle College.
Recipients of the new award may receive partial or full scholarships, which can be used for any on-campus program at the GIA Carlsbad campus. The program must start between July and December and may range from 7 to 26 instructional weeks.
Details on eligibility, as well as the application itself, can be found on the GIA website.
“Receiving a scholarship let me take more risks after graduating. Since I didn't have a mountain of student debt, I was free to explore all sorts of interesting opportunities” said Chris James T. Boehner, GIA Graduate Gemologist and 2020 scholarship recipient.
“It also helped me fast-track my education, because I no longer needed to save for tuition. I started my GG program two months after receiving my scholarship.”
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The application window is open from now until March 31, and students can submit an application through the online portal to be considered for all available scholarships, including the newest, the GIA Aspire Scholarship.
Up to $100,000 will be allocated to the new GIA Aspire Scholarship, which is available to graduating high school seniors or recent alumni from these four San Diego County high schools: Steele Canyon High School, Rancho Buena Vista High School, Alta Vista High School, and Health Sciences High and Middle College.
Recipients of the new award may receive partial or full scholarships, which can be used for any on-campus program at the GIA Carlsbad campus. The program must start between July and December and may range from 7 to 26 instructional weeks.
Details on eligibility, as well as the application itself, can be found on the GIA website.
“Receiving a scholarship let me take more risks after graduating. Since I didn't have a mountain of student debt, I was free to explore all sorts of interesting opportunities” said Chris James T. Boehner, GIA Graduate Gemologist and 2020 scholarship recipient.
“It also helped me fast-track my education, because I no longer needed to save for tuition. I started my GG program two months after receiving my scholarship.”
Merit-based scholarship awards are competitive and based on the achievements of the applicant, said GIA. Needs-based scholarships are available year-round and require applicants to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
“We believe that investing in the education of aspiring professionals is key to the continued growth and success of the gem and jewelry industry,” said Robyn Burrell, GIA director of financial aid.
“By providing opportunities for students to pursue their passion, we aim to create a diverse and skilled workforce that will shape the future of our industry.”
In 2024, GIA is allocating up to $2 million in merit-based, needs-based, and veteran scholarships.
The fall application cycle will take place Sept. 1-30.
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