Armenian Jewellers Foundation (AJF) says it will support students applying for scholarships at Gemological Institute of America (GIA).
The news comes following GIA’s announcement it is taking applications for 125 scholarships worth $500,000 U.S.
Eligible students can apply to distance e-learning, as well as on-campus courses in Bangkok, Carlsbad, Dubai, Hong Kong, London, New York, Mumbai, and Taiwan.
“Education is the foundation of good business practice and ethical representation of the jewellery industry’s precious products,” said Bill Boyajian, former president of GIA and AJF’s trustee.
“I encourage all Armenian students to consider applying for scholarships from schools like GIA, which generously give grants to worthy applicants around the world.”
In collaboration with the École de Gemmologie de Montréal (EGM), the Armenian Gemological Laboratory and Academy (AGLA), and others, AJF says it will support select applicants to GIA scholarships and provide letters of recommendation. Follow-up support will be available to successful grantees eligible for future AJF grants to complete their programs.
The deadline to apply is April 30 for fall admissions and Sept. 30 for the following year. AJF says applicants should review GIA programs and scholarship conditions prior to contacting the foundation.
Prior studies and training in jewellery, including gemmology, at AGLA, EGM, or other institutions, are an asset, AJF says. It recommends GIA’s graduate diamonds distance e-learning program for all applicants unless prior gemmological studies have already been undertaken.
Contact AJF at info@ajf.foundation for more information or to help support its initiatives.
