Grants and Scholarships

Current Grant and Scholarship Opportunities

The American Gem Society (AGS) will be awarding a grant to one Black in Jewelry Coalition Member Conclave 2026.

Conclave 2026 brings together the American Gem Society (AGS) community for an engaging experience centered on education, connection, and professional growth. Attendees gain practical insights from industry experts, hear from inspiring speakers, and build meaningful relationships with peers who share a commitment to excellence, ethics, and consumer trust.

Conclave is more than an event—it’s where ideas are exchanged, connections are strengthened, and your next level of growth begins.

September 14–17, 2026

Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate
Orlando, Florida

Click Here for More Info

The 2026 Grant Includes:

One (1) Conclave registration (valued at $1,275)
One (1) hotel room plus tax for up to four (4) nights
A $500 gift card for travel and incidental expenses

If you have a strong desire and commitment to excel in the gem, jewelry, and watch industry and value the American Gem Society and Black in Jewelry Coalition’s missions*, you are encouraged to complete the application.

APPLICATION CLOSES AT MIDNIGHT ON JUNE 30, 2026. Recipient will be notified in early July 2026

Past Grant and Scholarship Opportunities

AGS x BIJC Grant for Converge 2025

The American Gem Society (AGS) will be awarding a grant to one lucky Black in Jewelry Coalition member FOR CONVERGE taking place SEPTEMBER 7-10, 2025 in CARSLBAD, CA

This grant will cover:
• One Converge registration fee (valued at $1,425)
• One room and tax at a preferred Converge hotel property for up to four nights
• A $500 gift card for travel and incidentals

The 2025 Ben Bridge Lonia Tate Scholarship

We are excited to announce that applications are now open for the 2025 Ben Bridge Lonia Tate Scholarship! We established the scholarship in 2022 to honor the memory of our longtime associate, who was passionate about gemology and made history as the first black president of the Seattle Chapter of Executive Women International.

We are so proud of the vast opportunities that the Lonia Tate Scholarship offers for one lucky recipient, including the chance to earn their Graduate Gemologist Diploma from the Gemological Institute of America. Aimed to support emerging talent in the gemology field, the scholarship is specifically for those who aspire to work in the fine jewelry industry. With an estimated value of $15,000, the scholarship will cover tuition, books, and lab equipment for the online Graduate Gemologist program at GIA. The all-encompassing program is designed to open doors into a career in the world of fashion and fine jewelry.

Upon successful completion of the diploma program, the recipient will be offered a three-month paid internship opportunity with Ben Bridge, which includes potential travel to our home city of Seattle. As an intern, the scholarship winner will develop real-world experience to put their knowledge to great use. Our interns work directly with key associates and executives to gain invaluable hands-on training in a professional setting.

The finalist will be chosen in conjunction with The Black in Jewelry Coalition.

“We are proud to offer the Lonia Tate Scholarship as a tribute to our beloved colleague and her unwavering passion for the jewelry industry and her community,” says Lisa Bridge, President & CEO of Ben Bridge Jeweler. “This scholarship not only honors Lonia’s legacy but also empowers aspiring gemologists to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact in the industry.”

Applications will be accepted from February 26th through April 30th, with the winner announced in late May.

Who can apply to the 2025 Lonia Tate Scholarship?

Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
Reside in one of the following regions: Southern California (Los Angeles, Orange, or San Diego Counties), Greater Seattle Washington.
Must be a citizen or permanent resident of the U.S.

AGS x BIJC Grant for Conclave 2024

The American Gem Society (AGS) will be awarding a grant to one lucky Black in Jewelry Coalition member. This grant will cover the cost of registration to the 2023 AGS Conclave show APRIL 15-17, 2024 in AUSTIN, TX and the cost of basic hotel room fees for the show; (this excludes the cost of food, room service, and other added hotel fees). AGS will also provide the grantee with a $500 gift card applicable to the cost of travel to and from the show; any remaining travel costs are the responsibility of the recipient.

If you have a strong desire and commitment to excel in the gem, jewelry, and watch industry and value the American Gem Society and Black in Jewelry Coalition’s missions*, then complete the application below:

The application submission deadline is February 29th, 2024 11:59 pm EST.

AGS x BIJC Grant for Conclave 2023

The American Gem Society (AGS) will be awarding a grant to one lucky Black in Jewelry Coalition member. This grant will cover the cost of registration to the 2023 AGS Conclave show in Louisville, Kentucky May 1-3, 2023 and the cost of basic hotel room fees for the show; (this excludes the cost of food, room service, and other added hotel fees). AGS will also provide the grantee with a $500 gift card applicable to the cost of travel to and from the show; *any remaining travel costs are the responsibility of the recipient.

The application submission deadline is February 28th, 2023 11:59 pm EST.

DIGITAL EDUCATION: Immerse yourself in a mix of live workshops, specialized working groups and selections from our video and article library.

FINANCIAL RESOURCES: A $5,000 business education grant, plus access to $0 interest loans via Kiva.

PREMIER PEER NETWORK: Collaborate with your cohort, program alumni, and advisors through online networking and small group sessions.

FELLOWS LAB: Put the year’s learning to use in a culminating company presentation to experts who offer guidance on your main business challenges.

APPLICATIONS CLOSED on NOVEMBER 3, 2022

Not a BIJC member? Learn more.