This year the Gemological Institute of America has awarded 24 scholarships totaling $38,000 for both On Campus and Distance education courses.

With the help of leading trade organizations, private companies, and individuals, GIA annually awards scholarships for its world-renowned Graduate Gemologist (G.G.), Graduate Jeweler (G.J.), and Jewelry Design and Manufacturing Arts programs. The Institute received more than 109 applications for scholarships this year, indicating the strong appeal the industry has for newcomers eager to launch their careers.

Applications for 2004 scholarships will be available in June of 2003, and should be submitted no later than Nov. 1, 2003. For information on qualifications, or to find out more about scholarship opportunities at GIA, contact the office of student financial assistance at 800-421-7250 ext. 4175, or at 760-603-4000 ext. 4175; by e-mail at bruce.honer@gia.edu” or by fax at 760-603-4153. Qualifications differ for each scholarship.

In addition, GIA welcomes donations for educational scholarships. To make a contribution in your organization’s name, contact Jane Lynch, GIA’s director of Institute Relations, at 800-421-7250 ext. 4114, or at 760-603-4114.

2003 On-Campus Education Scholarships

Kara Ericson of Anza, Calif. $12,850 James R. Lucey Memorial
Hannah Kim of Flushing, N.Y. $10,000 HSBC Excellence in Diamond Education
Deirdre Lally of Spring Lake, N.J. $1,000.Fran Deuell
Devon Buckley of Tiffin, Ohio $1,000 Kurt Wayne
Angela Grigsby of San Pablo, Calif. $1,000 Milton Wolf
Jamie Clark of Huntingtown Town, Md. $1,000 Daniel Swarovski & Co.
Jason Stinson of Nova Scotia, N.Y. $1,000 Daniel Swarovski & Co.
Sara Winter of Berkeley, Calif. $500 Matthew A. Runci
Jennifer Thomas of Loveland, Colo. $500 Eunice Miles
Eri Nakai of Trumbull, Conn. $500 Richard Kern
Travis Johnson of Veradale, Wash. $500 William Argo
Jacquelyn Wersal of Prior Lake, Minn. $500 Suberi Brothers
Gina Mazzoni of Northville, Mich. $500 Independent Jewelers Organization

2003 Distance Education Scholarships

Lara Radkey of Cincinnati, Ohio $1,145 Robert Speisman
Morris Thomas of Wichita Falls, Texas $1,500 NTGAA
Janet Maurantonio of Davie, Fla. $500 Eunice Miles
Kimberley Pursley of Plano, Texas $600 Morris Hanauer
Angela Gullo of Hamburg N.Y. $500 Trillion Diamond Company
Anita Hanley of Northford, Conn. $500 Trillion Diamond Company
Shara Chase of Cranston, R.I. $500 Irene Mack
Lea Peters of Spokane, Wash. $500 Ray Glynn
Melissa Beall of Broken Arrow, Okla. $500 Independent Jewelers Organization
Lynelle Kress of Waterford, Pa. $500 Independent Jewelers Organization
Kimberley Traun of Mosinee, Wis. $500 Independent Jewelers Organization

JCK