Grammy award-winning singer Beyoncé is teaming up with longtime friend and acclaimed jewellery designer Lorraine Schwartz to award two members of the Black community a scholarship to complete the Gemological Institute of America’s (GIA’s) Graduate Gemologist® program.
The global entertainer will personally select two recipients for The Beyoncé Knowles-Carter x Lorraine Schwartz GIA Scholarship.
The two scholarships award full tuition and paid expenses for a distance education program. Applications for the scholarship are being accepted from 1st March to 16th March, 2021.
“It is an honor to have this scholarship in my name, but the best part is teaming up with my friend Lorraine Schwartz to give two people an opportunity to learn,” said Beyoncé. “We both believe that learning is constant. This is a chance to learn from the best, create generational wealth and turn a love of gems into a career.”
Lorraine gifted Beyoncé one of the scholarships for her last birthday and GIA matched the funds for a second scholarship.
“What makes a career in the jewellery industry so special is that it is the culmination of art, science and business fused together in a passionate industry that is grounded in community,” said Susan Jacques, GIA president and CEO. “A Graduate Gemologist® diploma provides students the skills they need to succeed in this industry and opens doors for networking opportunities to expand their relationships critical for success.”