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BIJC’s Jewelry Education Program for High School Students Begins
“The Future Jewelers Academy” kicked off at the Brooklyn STEAM Center this week.
Frank Fraley, the instructor for BIJC’s new high school education program and a jewelry designer, assisted with developing the program’s curriculum, which focuses on teaching students about design, gem setting, jewelry repair, and more. Fraley is an adjunct associate professor of jewelry design at the Fashion Institute of Technology.
New York—The Black in Jewelry Coalition (BIJC) kicked off its jewelry-focused education program for high school students at the Brooklyn STEAM Center this week.
“The Future Jewelers Academy” (FJA) will prepare students for careers in jewelry and gemology, cultivating the trade for future generations.
The 2023/2024 program was developed with the assistance of Professor Frank Fraley, a jewelry designer and the FJA instructor. Fraley teaches jewelry design at the Fashion Institute of Technology.
BIJC said the program, which is sponsored exclusively by Jewelers Mutual, is intended to inspire students and open doors for them in the industry by teaching them about jewelry design, gemstone setting, materials, laser repair, and the process of casting and molding.
Guest speakers from various parts of the gem and jewelry industry have been invited to supplement the students’ education.
At the end of the year, a capstone event will be held to display the students’ work and celebrate the completion of their training.
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“The Future Jewelers Academy” (FJA) will prepare students for careers in jewelry and gemology, cultivating the trade for future generations.
The 2023/2024 program was developed with the assistance of Professor Frank Fraley, a jewelry designer and the FJA instructor. Fraley teaches jewelry design at the Fashion Institute of Technology.
BIJC said the program, which is sponsored exclusively by Jewelers Mutual, is intended to inspire students and open doors for them in the industry by teaching them about jewelry design, gemstone setting, materials, laser repair, and the process of casting and molding.
Guest speakers from various parts of the gem and jewelry industry have been invited to supplement the students’ education.
At the end of the year, a capstone event will be held to display the students’ work and celebrate the completion of their training.
Located in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, Brooklyn STEAM is a career and technical training hub for 11th and 12th graders.
“The scholars at Brooklyn STEAM affirm why it is so important to invest in the future of the jewelry industry,” said Malyia McNaughton, BIJC chair and founder of Made By Malyia.
“They are very engaged and if you sit in a class like I have with them, you quickly recognize these students are eager to learn and grow. It is truly and honor to witness the next generation of the jewelry industry develop right before my eyes.”
For more information about The Future Jewelers Academy, visit BIJC’s site.
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