2023 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, 2023 and July 31, 2024. 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), 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.

Designer & Creator and Designer applicants must submit a short essay (1000 characters/250 words max) explaining their career goals and aspirations, three ranked digital images of recent work with brief descriptions indicating materials, size, and significance, and a completed entry form. Non-Designer applicants must submit an essay of no more than 5000 characters/approximately 1000 words addressing their program, motivation, qualifications, career goals, and how the jewelry industry will benefit from their scholarship. Entry fee is $10.00. Applicants must be female or female-identifying students enrolled in an accredited U.S. college, university, or training school.