In June, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) announced the basket of its scholarships for 2011, with over 140 funding options including two new $10,000 awards from Tiffany & Co. “There are so many talented people with a love for gems and jewellery who don’t have the financial resources for gemological education,” said Bev Berthoty, GIA Institute Relations manager. “Helping these scholarship recipients become professionals who can serve their clients and the industry with their expertise, is yet another way GIA manifests its mission to protect the public trust.” %% The GIA Scholarships apply for both its On Campus and Distance Education programmes, including nearly 70 to commemorate the Institute’s 80th anniversary and several On Campus awards for GIA’s international locations (Thailand, India and London). They cover a variety of programmes, such as jewellery manufacturing arts, the Graduate Gemologist and Accredited Jewelry Professional programmes and pearl and lab classes. %% The new Tiffany & Co. Scholarships can be used for any of GIA’s education programmes. “We did not put any restrictions on these awards so they would be available to as many students as possible,” said Mike Kowalski, president and CEO of Tiffany & Co. %% GIA is accepting applications for the scholarships until October 30, 2010.