The American Gem Society is offering $500 to students interested in furthering their gemological education. The funds may be applied to curriculum offered at the AGS Campus in Las Vegas.

The Bob Speisman Memorial Scholarship Fund has been set up in memory of Bob Speisman, a member of the AGS Board of Directors, AGS Lab Board of Managers and a Robert M. Shipley Award winner, who perished on September 11 while traveling on Flight 77. Individuals may qualify for up to a $500 scholarship that is used for diamond education at the AGS campus in Las Vegas.

The Don Hamann Jewelers Mutual Scholarship Fund has also been set up for students interested in education on the AGS campus. Students may qualify for up to $500 for any educational program given at the AGS campus.

“With education being our strongest commitment at the American Gem Society, we want to give eager individuals the opportunity to advance their gemological studies and their career,” said Ruth Batson, CEO of the American Gem Society.

The AGS Fund Committee awards the scholarships. The limit is one grant per applicant in a one-year period. In order to qualify for a scholarship, applicants must be an employee of an AGS member firm or an independent retail jeweler. Applicants must also currently be active and have at least one-year experience in the retail/wholesale jewelry industry.

For those interested in making a donation to further the studies of enthusiastic individuals, please contact the AGS headquarters.

For more information, call 702.255.6500, or visit the AGS website at www.ags.org.

JCK