Ben Bridge Sponsors GIA Minority Scholarship

RAPAPORT... Warren Buffett-owned jeweler Ben Bridge and the Black in Jewelry Coalition (BIJC) are sponsoring a scholarship for a minority candidate to receive a degree from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).The jeweler will also provide the winner of the Lonia Tate scholarship with an internship at one of its locations after the candidate has completed the GIA graduate gemologist program, the BIJC said Monday. The scholarship and internship are both intended for someone who wishes to have a career in fine jewelry.The award is in memory of Tate, who was a registered jeweler and long-term associate at Ben Bridge. She was heavily involved in community service, and served as the first Black president of the Seattle chapter of Executive Women International, BIJC noted.Applications are due by April 30, and are only open to members of minority groups in states in which Ben Bridge operates. BIJC will announce the winner on May 7.Image: A Ben Bridge jewelry store in Spokane, Washington. (Ben Bridge/Facebook)