WJA Announces Scholarship, Grant Opportunities

New York--Gabriel & Co. is partnering with the Women’s Jewelry Association on a $5,000 scholarship for one student.

The new Gabriel Love Foundation Student Scholarship will go to one female student who is enrolled in fine jewelry design courses between Aug. 1, 2018 and July 31, 2019. 

Announced at last summer’s WJA gala event, the scholarship is intended to assist a passionate student achieve professional growth. 

Applications are open to both WJA members and non-members. It consists of an online portion, a written essay, images of designs and proof of enrollment in jewelry design courses. The scholarship is paid directly to the institution of design instruction. 

Gabriel & Co. said that special consideration would be given to designers who indicate a passion for contributing to charity and helping underserved communities. 

Submissions are being accepted between March 7 and April 18. 

The application is available on CallforEntry.org. More information about the scholarship is available on the Gabriel & Co. website.

In addition, the deadline is nearing to apply for this year’s Carelle-WJA Grant in honor of Brooke Tivol McGrath. 

The annual $5,000 merit-based grant is intended to assist WJA members in their first five years of business.

McGrath grew up in the jewelry industry as a member of the Tivol family in Kansas City but rather than work for her family’s business, she decided to make her own way in New York. In 2007 she joined Carelle, working under co-founder and designer Chana Regev. 

She proved to be an integral part of the company, helping to launch Carelle and working in areas from marketing to design. 

In 2011, McGrath died tragically from a rare blood infection at the age of 28. The WJA-Carelle grant is awarded in her honor to help a new business owner.

The application consists of an essay explaining need for the award. Special attention will be paid to applicants who demonstrate personal dedication and determination, and a positive attitude toward the industry. Applicants are encouraged to submit images, though it is not required.

Questions about the grant may be directed to Kelly Jacobson at kellybjacobson@gmail.com or Bernadette Mack at bernadette@womensjewelryassociation.com.

The deadline is March 3. Applications must be submitted online, with supplemental materials e-mailed to Mack.

Editor’s note: This story was updated post-publication to correct the date that WJA will begin accepting submissions for the Gabriel Love Foundation Student Scholarship. It is March 7, not Feb. 28 as previously reported.