GIA offers more than $370K in 2009 scholarships

July 03, 2008

Carlsbad, Calif.—The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is offering more than 65 scholarships for the 2009 school year, collectively valued at more than $370,000.

The GIA's board of governors has allotted more than $200,000 to the scholarship fund from interest earned through GIA's permanently invested endowment fund.

The board has apportioned about one-fourth, or $98,500, of the total scholarship fund for international scholarships, available to anyone who is not a citizen or permanent resident of the United States.

Applications for international scholarships were accepted for the first time last year for the 2008 academic year and offered a chance to study through either distance education or on campus at GIA London or GIA India. In addition, for the upcoming school year, GIA is offering a new opportunity for students to earn a Graduate Gemologist diploma on campus at GIA Thailand.

"The growing number of international scholarships available for 2009 GIA courses and programs reflects the institute's commitment to serve the educational needs of students worldwide," GIA Institute Relations Manager Bev Berthoty said in a media release.

GIA scholarship applicants need only submit one application to be considered for all applicable scholarships. Applications will be accepted through Oct. 15.

For more information about GIA scholarships, call Wendy Wang at (760) 603-4175, e-mail scholarship@gia.edu or visit the education section of the GIA's Web site, Gia.edu/education. Application forms can also be downloaded from the GIA site.

To make a donation to GIA's scholarship fund, contact Bev Berthoty at (760) 603-4120 or bberthoty@gia.edu.