Jewelers of America Announces 2026 Scholarship Opportunities to Cultivate Industry Talent

JA Scholarship Program and Holtzman Bench Scholarship Now Accepting Applications

Jewelers of America (JA) has opened applications for its 2026 scholarship programs, including the newly established Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship. These initiatives aim to support employees of JA member companies pursuing professional development, certifications, and respected industry programs, underscoring JA's commitment to strengthening the future of the jewelry sector.

David Bonaparte, president and CEO of JA, emphasized the importance of educational investment. 'Supporting education is one of the most impactful ways we can strengthen the future of the jewelry industry,' Bonaparte stated. 'By investing in the development of both emerging bench jewelers and retail professionals, we’re helping to build a more skilled, confident, and forward-thinking workforce.'

Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship

Established in 2024 through a collaboration between JA and Seymour and Evelyn Holtzman of Chicago’s CD Peacock, the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship provides crucial tuition assistance to students enrolled in accredited bench jeweler or metalsmith programs. Applications for this scholarship are being accepted until June 30, 2026.

JA Scholarship Program Details

The general JA Scholarship Program also invites applications, with awards available for programs and certifications offered by esteemed organizations such as the American Gem Society, American Society of Appraisers, Diamond Council of America, Gemological Institute of America, and National Association of Jewelry Appraisers.

Eligibility requirements for the JA Scholarship Program include being at least 18 years old, currently employed by a JA member store for a minimum of one year, and not concurrently enrolled in another home study course from the participating educational providers. Scholarships are limited to one recipient per store, with a maximum of three per JA membership during the application period. The application window for this program closes on September 30, 2026, or when funds are fully disbursed.

Scholarship awards are contingent upon the availability of funds. Interested individuals can find more information and download application forms on the JA website or by contacting JA Member Services at 800-223-0673.

Junior Achievement Canada Awards Spotlight Entrepreneurship and Resilience

Separately, Junior Achievement (JA) Canada has announced its 2026 awards, focusing on entrepreneurship, skills development, and resilience among Canadian youth. These awards, with application deadlines of June 5, 2026, aim to recognize and support students actively engaged in JA programs.

Seymour Schulich Entrepreneurship Scholarship

Valued at $2,000 CAD, this scholarship encourages entrepreneurship in Canada and is open to participants of the JA Company Program during the 2025-26 school year who are graduating high school by June 30, 2026, and planning to attend an accredited post-secondary institution or apprenticeship program in Fall 2026. Applicants must submit a 500-word essay reflecting on their JA experience and entrepreneurship knowledge, a 90-second video answering a specific prompt, and a letter of recommendation.

JA Skills in Action Award

This $2,000 CAD award celebrates the development of transferable skills through JA programs and events. High school students (grades 9-12) in Canada who participated in a JA program during the 2025-26 school year are eligible. The application requires a 500-word essay detailing skill development, a 90-second video demonstrating how these skills prepare them for success, and a letter of recommendation.

JA Resilience Award

Presented by Sandra Rondzik Popik, this award of $2,500 CAD recognizes the exceptional resilience of JA participants, particularly newcomers to Canada within five years of high school graduation and equity-seeking youth who have overcome significant challenges. Eligible candidates must have participated in a JA program during the 2025-26 school year, be graduating high school in 2026, and be accepted into a post-secondary or apprenticeship program. Application components include a 500-word essay on facing adversity, a 90-second video discussing overcoming challenges, and a letter of recommendation.

JAL Scholarship Program for Asian and Oceanian Students

In a different initiative, the JAL Scholarship Program is seeking two undergraduate or graduate students aged 20-25 from Asia and Oceania to participate in a 22-day program in Japan from June 25 to July 16, 2026. The program includes 7 days of online training and 15 days of on-site activities in Tokyo and Wakayama Prefecture, focusing on Japan, the SDGs, environmental protection, and social issues.

Applicants must be ROC citizens, not native Japanese speakers, and possess good conduct, sound health, and strong interpersonal skills. A JLPT N2 or above certification is required. Applications, including a completed application form in Japanese, a consent form, and a copy of the JLPT certificate, must be submitted to Ms. Hsu at the Office of International Affairs by 12:00 PM on February 2, 2026. The JAL Foundation and supporting organizations will cover economy class airfare, transportation in Japan, accommodation, meals, and travelers’ accident insurance for the selected candidates.