Two things happen like clock-work this time of year. First, our summer intern breaks all of our hearts and tells us that yes, she really must head back to school. And second, my staff yells at me for tasking her with planning her own farewell party. Despite their objections, I think it is a great idea. I give her the budget, tell her to show us what she has learned over the summer, and then “wow” us. Despite the awkwardness of having to plan her own event, and the complete lack of any surprise in it for her, we’ve never been disappointed.
One of the things that comes up every year in the end of summer review with our interns is the very high cost of college. Its something that every kid stresses about no matter where they go after high school. And, despite the prestige of a college degree, today it may not be for everybody. Many kids would benefit from great technical training that would assure them a skill, a job, and a career when they graduate.
To help deal with the high cost of technical training, The 24 Karat Club offers a variety of scholarship opportunities for promising talent in the jewelry industry. Among these scholarships is the Robert Foreman Memorial Scholarship named for one of the founding members of The 24 Karat Club Southeastern U.S. The Diamond Council of America (DCA) sponsors several scholarships that provide opportunities to jewelers who can benefit from specific training offered by the DCA. There is also the Sterling Reputation Scholarship, sponsored by Sterling Reputation. This is a $2500 scholarship to aid students enrolled in a jewelry or watch repair course with their class fees and material supplies requirements.
Naturally, competition for these scholarships is very intense. So, if you or someone you know would benefit from one of these generous opportunities, contact your favorite 24 Karat Club member for full details about the nomination process. If you are heading back to school this fall, think about how much easier it would be next fall with money from The 24 Karat Club.
According to my favorite beer commercial, the world’s most interesting man says we should “stay thirsty.” Of course, he’s talking about the beer he’s pitching (although I can never remember what brand that is when I’m in the beer aisle). But, I’d like to pretend that he’s talking about staying thirsty for education, which, unfortunately costs more than beer money. Maybe The 24 Karat Club can pick up part of your tab next fall.
By the way, applications are now open for next year’s summer intern position. Party planning skills are required.
Howard Kelrick is President of Finger Mate and a board member of The 24 Karat Club, SEUS. Finger Mate manufactures and installs expandable ring shanks and sells to retail jewelers throughout North America. Contact Howard at 954-458-2700 or e-mail Howard@FingerMate.com.
