Scholarships valued at nearly $100,000 have been awarded to 31 Gemological Institute of America (GIA) On Campus and Distance Education students for the 2004 academic year. Conferred annually on qualified applicants who wish to enroll in the Institute’s Graduate Gemologist (G.G.) and Graduate Jeweler (G.J.) programs, the scholarships are made possible through the support of leading jewelry industry organizations, private companies, and individuals.

“Through the generosity of so many in the industry, we are very pleased to be able to substantially increase the number and amount of scholarships awarded this year,” said Brook Ellis, GIA’s vice president of Education. “Now we can assist more students than ever before in pursuing their gemological career ambitions.”

Scholarship awards range from $500 to more than $13,000.

Candidates for GIA scholarships must be U.S. citizens. Applications for 2005 scholarships will be available online at GIA’s Web site (www.gia.edu) in a downloadable format beginning July 2004. Submissions should be presented no later than Nov. 1. To find out more about qualifications, or 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, or email bruce.honer@gia.edu, or fax your request to 760-603-4153. Qualifications differ for each scholarship.

GIA welcomes donations for educational scholarships. To establish a scholarship in your own name, the name of your company or professional organization, or to create a lasting tribute or memorial for a loved one, contact Sonia Brodkin, GIA’s stewardship coordinator, at 800-421-7250 ext. 4170, or at 760-603-4170.

JCK