2022 WJA Student Scholarship

The WJA Foundation provides student scholarships to female-identifying students enrolled in jewelry or metalsmithing programs at an accredited college, university, or training school between August 1, 2022 and July 31, 2023. Since its inception, the WJA Foundation has awarded over $500,000 to students, designers and small business owners to help them grow and succeed in their careers. Recipients are selected by a jury and scholarships typically range from $1,000 to $7,000.

Student Scholarships are awarded in three categories: Designer & Creator Category (based on images of finished pieces designed and created by the student); Designer Category (based on jewelry designed by the student, including CAD and drawings, which are not necessarily created); and Non-Designer Category (essay-based for those studying to be a gemologist, appraiser, watch-maker, bench jeweler, or retailer). One applicant in the non-designer category will be chosen as a recipient of the WJA-Gabriel Love Foundation Scholarship, a $5,000 scholarship established in partnership with Gabriel & Co. to provide funding for students to achieve professional growth within the fine jewelry industry and in their communities. Consideration will be given to students who can clearly articulate a desire to participate in charitable efforts or how they will use their career in jewelry to improve communities.

For Designer & Creator and Designer categories, applicants must submit a short essay (200 words maximum) explaining why they wish to pursue a career in jewelry or watches and their goals/aspirations for the future, three digital images ranked by significance with brief descriptions indicating materials used, size, and significance of each piece, and a completed entry form. For the Non-Designer Category, applicants must submit an essay of no more than 4000 characters (approximately 1000 words) addressing: the program they are applying for, what motivated them to attend, why they deserve the scholarship, their career goals and aspirations in the jewelry or watch industries, and how the jewelry industry will benefit from them receiving the scholarship. All applications must be filled out by applicants themselves, who agree that all information is true. Applicants may be moved between categories if the jury deems it necessary. Entry fee: $10.00.