The two programs currently accepting applicants are the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship and JA’s general Scholarship Program. Both initiatives offer financial support to jewellery professionals and aspiring bench jewellers seeking to pursue advanced training and certifications from top-tier industry institutions.
“Jewelers of America is dedicated to strengthening the jewellery profession by supporting education and skill-building,” said David Bonaparte, President & CEO of JA. “These scholarships help ensure that talented individuals have access to the resources they need to grow, while raising the overall standard of professionalism in our industry.”
The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship, created in partnership with its namesakes, provides tuition assistance to students enrolled in accredited bench jeweler or metalsmithing programs. Applications are open until June 12, 2025, with recipients to be selected later in the month by a designated committee.
Meanwhile, the Jewelers of America Scholarship Program is available to employees of JA Member companies and supports participation in certification and training programs from reputable educational bodies including the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), American Gem Society (AGS), Diamond Council of America (DCA), American Society of Appraisers (ASA), and National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA). The deadline to apply is September 30, 2025, or until all allocated funds are distributed.
To ensure equitable access, scholarships are limited to one recipient per store, with a cap of three awards per member company. Eligible applicants must be at least 18 years old, have a minimum of one year of experience at a JA Member store, and not currently be enrolled in a qualifying home study course.
