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New York, NY--Diamonds Do Good has announced the launch of a special scholarship program in collaboration with GIA (Gemological Institute of America), aimed at increasing diversity in the natural diamond and jewelry industry in the United States. Up to five deserving individuals will each receive a scholarship for GIA’s Graduate Diamonds Program through distance education.  This scholarship was made possible through a grant from GIA’s Endowment Fund.

Civil rights advocate Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., one of DDG’s co-founders, announced the Diamonds Do Good Diversity Scholarship program at the conclusion of the organization’s Global Conversation Bridging Barriers: How to Nurture Diversity in Your Business and Enhance Sales. 

“Encouraging a more diverse, inclusive and representative industry is not just a goal, it is an imperative for the future and sustainability of so many people who derive their livelihoods along the global natural diamond pipeline,” says Chavis. 

GIA president and CEO Susan Jacques shared her enthusiasm for this important program, and how it fits with GIA’s philosophy. “Nelson Mandela said, ‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.’ GIA believes that opportunity begins with education and access to opportunities, which are often a barrier for underserved communities. GIA is working to break down these walls by dedicating resources to opening doors throughout the gem and jewelry industry through scholarships like these.”

“The grant, expressly for students from the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities in the United States, will take a positive step in the direction of encouraging more diverse and inclusive talent throughout the diamond and jewelry industry,” says Diamonds Do Good president Rebecca Foerster.

The GIA Graduate Diamonds Program teaches an in-depth, hands-on experience with the GIA International Diamond Grading System. Upon completion, students receive the accreditation to pursue a variety of opportunities within the industry, such as a diamond buyer, an auction house jewelry specialist, a diamond sorter/grader, among others. The program is self-paced through GIA’s online learning platform and includes one week of on-campus lab classes. 

To further networking opportunities, graduates of the Diamonds Do Good Diversity Scholarship program will receive mentoring advice from members of its board of directors who represent the entire diamond pipeline from mining, manufacturing, design and retail.

Applications are available on the Diamonds Do Good website here.