MJSA Education Foundation Scholarship Group
Every year, talented students from across the United States who share one dream—to have a successful career in designing and making jewelry—look to MJSA to help them make that dream a reality. And thanks to the MJSA Education Foundation Scholarship Group, the association can help them to do just that.
The Scholarship Group consists of six permanent endowment funds managed by the Rhode Island Community Foundation on behalf of MJSA and the Foundation. Money generated by these funds provides support to students enrolled in jewelry design, jewelry making, or other jewelry-related degree programs at colleges, universities, and technical schools throughout the United States. Several awards of $500 to $2,000 are given every year.
Winners of the 2011 scholarships are:
Tamara Allison ($1,500, above left) of Wichita Falls, Texas, who is completing a BFA in Metals and Jewelry at Midwestern State University, also in Wichita Falls. She plans to graduate in December 2011.
Leslie Boyd ($1,500) of Brooklyn, New York, who is working toward an MFA in Jewelry and Metalsmithing at Rhode Island School of Design in Providence, Rhode Island. She expects to graduate in 2013.
Carol Salisbury ($1,500, above right) of Lawrence, Kansas, who is pursuing an MFA in Metalsmithing and Jewelry at the University of Kansas in Lawrence. The recipient of three previous Foundation scholarships, she expects to graduate in May 2012.
Nicole D’Entremont ($800, left) of Medford, Massachusetts, who is pursuing a BFA in Fine Arts at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. She plans to graduate in May 2012.
Maresha Robinson ($800) of Oakland, California, who is seeking a Graduate Bench Jeweler Diploma from the Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts. She expects to complete her diploma requirements by the summer of 2012.
Shalena White ($800, right) of Austin, Texas, who is working toward an MFA in Studio Art: Metals/Jewelry at the University of Texas at Austin. She expects to graduate in 2014.
Who Can Apply
Any student enrolled in a jewelry program, who intends to pursue a career in the jewelry industry and can demonstrate financial need, is eligible to apply. Applicants are assessed on the basis of course of study, academics, career plans, recommendations, and industry experience. Students must be U.S. citizens.
For information about applying for future scholarships, click here. Because the Rhode Island Foundation administers many scholarship funds, students will need to complete a general registration and application online. The site will list all available scholarships, among them the MJSA opportunities.