The Gemological Institute of America, Carlsbad, Calif., is offering a $10,000 scholarship for New York residents for 2003. Funded by HSBC Bank USA, the HSBC Excellence in Diamond Education Scholarship will help a worthy New York resident earn the coveted GIA Graduate Gemologist (G.G.) diploma.

“A GIA education establishes students’ credentials and launches them well-prepared into the world of international diamond and jewelry professionals. However, many highly motivated students are unable to attend GIA for financial reasons,” said Linda Ellis, chief development officer for GIA. “Scholarship funds like the HSBC Excellence in Diamond Education Scholarship support students who could not otherwise afford to attend GIA.”

The scholarship will provide $10,000 to a New York resident to study at the Institute’s New York campus, located in the city’s diamond district. The G.G. On Campus diploma program is a six-month course of study involving 780 instruction hours for tuition of $12,600 per student. The Institute’s world-renowned G.G. designation is instantly recognized as the hallmark of accomplishment, credibility and distinction.

The deadline to apply for the scholarship is Aug. 1. Students interested in applying should contact GIA’s Office of Student Financial Assistance toll-free at (800) 421-7250, ext. 4175, by fax (760) 603-4153 or e-mail brucehoner@gia.edu. Applicants must be at least 17 years old, be a resident of New York, have a high school GED equivalency diploma and either work in the jewelry industry or plan to enter it upon completion of their studies.

JCK