GIA introduces five scholarships

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has introduced four donor-funded scholarships and one international scholarship, to be given to students aspiring to train at the GIA. One of the scholarships “R. Harder Gallery of Gems and Minerals Scholarship,” has been funded by the Community Foundation of the Fox Valley Region in Wisconsin, in honour of Ron Harder, former CEO of Jewelers Mutual. The scholarship supports those candidates seeking admission to the On Campus or Distance Education Graduate Gemologist (G.G.) diploma programme. The applicant must reside in the state of Wisconsin.

Another scholarship for the Distance Education G.G. diploma is the “Golden Circle Steve Liebman Scholarship”, created by members of The Golden Circle, honouring its member Steve Liebman. The “Butterfly of Peace Scholarship”, created by Alan Bronstein through sale proceeds from his book entitled, Forever Brilliant, are for applicants of On Campus or Distance Education programmes. The “Absolute Brilliance Scholarship” can be applied for by students interested in furthering their knowledge of diamonds with any On Campus or Distance Education Diamonds course or programme. “GIA Endowment Scholarship for GIA Thailand” has been introduced for non-U.S. citizens and non-U.S. residents, and for the On Campus Graduate Gemologist (G.G.) programme at GIA Thailand.

The Irving Getz Scholarship, created recently by family, friends, and colleagues to honor the memory of industry leader Irving Getz, will serve applicants for any On Campus or Distance Education course or program or any Lab class.

To avail of any of the scholarships, the GIA applicants require to submit one common form, which will be accepted till October 15, 2008. The scholarships have been restricted to those students who have not received scholarship in the past five years, owning to the predetermined availability of funds.