GIA Scholarships Expand International Reach in 2012

Applications accepted now through Oct. 30

CARLSBAD, Calif. – June 22, 2011 – Helping students around the world pursue their dreams of a career in the gem and jewelry industry, the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) today announced the start of its 2012 scholarship application period, increasing the total number of scholarships offered and doubling the number of international locations where On-Campus programs can be taken.

GIA Scholarship applications will be accepted now through Oct. 30.

Scholarships are available for On-Campus programs, and Distance Education -- via the eLearning programs -- and Lab classes in the U.S. at the Institute’s global headquarters in Carlsbad and New York, and at an expanded number of international sites, including India, Hong Kong, London, Middle East (Dubai), Taiwan and Thailand.

Students can apply online or in-person at GIA campuses and take a broad spectrum of courses, ranging from lab and jewelry manufacturing arts to those toward a Graduate Gemologist diploma.

“We’re pleased to offer scholarship opportunities to new locations this year” said Bev Berthoty, GIA Institute Relations manager. “GIA is committed to serving our constituents by ensuring that the resources needed to obtain a gemological or jewelry design education are more accessible globally.”

Berthoty added: “By maintaining the highest standards in academics, our goal is that scholarship recipients will one day flourish in their chosen fields and conduct themselves with integrity and professionalism. This cadre of professionally trained gem and jewelry experts will help GIA fulfill its mission to ensure the public’s trust in our industry.”

The first GIA Scholarship application cycle for 2012 runs now through Oct. 30, 2011 for On-Campus, Distance Education and Lab classes. The second cycle, which runs from March 1 through April 30, 2012 is for Distance Education and Lab classes only.

The 2012 GIA Scholarship Application is now online. For more information on the scholarships available, click here.