Superstar and philanthropist Beyoncé has long been invested in providing opportunities for (and amplifying the talents of) young Black individuals. Remember her epic Coachella concert that featured musicians from historically Black colleges and universities? It was major.
Now she’s teaming up with longtime friend and red carpet jewelry designer Lorraine Schwartz to offer a pair of scholarships for two Black gemology students.
The Beyoncé Knowles-Carter x Lorraine Schwartz GIA Scholarship awards full tuition and paid expenses for GIA’s Graduate Gemologist program, which the recipients would attend via distance education.
“It is an honor to have this scholarship in my name, but the best part is teaming up with my friend Lorraine Schwartz to give two people an opportunity to learn,” said Beyoncé in a prepared statement. “We both believe that learning is constant. This is a chance to learn from the best, create generational wealth, and turn a love of gems into a career.”
Schwartz added in the same statement, “This scholarship is a homage to Beyoncé for the inspiration she’s given me throughout my career. It’s about the love formed from relationships and knowing that at the end of the day, we are all the same. Now I have the opportunity to bring that inspiration full circle and show the community the endless possibilities that are in this industry, especially for Black professionals.”
GIA began accepting applications for the scholarships March 1 and will close the application process March 16 at 11:59 p.m. PT. The application can be found here (look for the “Apply Now” button on the upper right-hand corner of the page).
Top: Beyoncé and Lorraine Schwartz (photo courtesy of Parkwood Entertainment)
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