I hold public service in high esteem, which is one of the reasons I agreed to join GIA's Board of Governors seven years ago. I sincerely believe in the important work the Institute has been doing for more than 70 years to foster integrity, education, research and trust in the industry. I'm especially encouraged by GIA's latest public outreach program that's designed to nurture an interest, and possibly a career path, in gemology among children.

The GIA Jr. Gemologist Program offers courses that teach children in grades 4-6 the basics of geology, mineralogy and gemology in a very entertaining and hands-on fashion. It's not just about reading from textbooks. Students also study gemstones through microscopes and loupes to introduce them to minerals' internal structure to begin to learn about gem identification.

The courses were revamped two years ago to meet California state curriculum standards for science and have since become an integral part of science education for local school districts. Busloads of students travel to GIA's Carlsbad campus on a regular basis. In fact, more than 5,000 students have participated in GIA's Jr. Gemologist Program since 2003, and requests for classes are mounting beyond what they can handle at GIA's world headquarters in Carlsbad.    

This is not a bad thing. I think it's yet another opportunity for GIA to expand its reach and public service to a younger generation that may one day become members of our industry. Ask anyone who has watched one of the student workshops - the look of awe on the children's faces as they peer through microscopes for the first time is inspiring.

Once the GIA Endowment Campaign's initial $75-million goal has been met, the Institute will look to expand the GIA Jr. Gemologist Program, and others like it, during the second phase of the fund-raising effort, in which we'll plan for a new financial milestone. 

An endowment, built with your financial support, will enable us to expand this innovative program. We could also develop one-day gemology workshops or day-long science camps. There are plenty of possibilities to take this educational public service outreach program "on the road."

There's inherent value for all of us to do what we can to encourage a passion for gemology in tomorrow's workforce.

Matt Stuller
Chairman
GIA Endowment Campaign