MIA+BSI: The Natural Stone Institute recently announced that two scholarships are available this year for individuals pursuing a career in the natural stone industry: the Natural Stone Scholarship and the Women in Stone Empowerment Scholarship.

Candidates for the Natural Stone Scholarship should be a fabricator, installer, or administrative apprentice with fewer than five years’ experience in the natural stone industry and at least six months experience working with an MIA+BSI member company. The deadline to apply for the 2017 Natural Stone Scholarship is July 14, and the winner will receive a trip to TISE 2018.

“Winning the Natural Stone Scholarship was a great experience,” said Jan Ligas, winner of the 2016 Natural Stone Scholarship. “It helped me realize how big the stone industry in the United States is. The classes at TISE taught me specific new information in regards to the trade I work in. I met wonderful people there and I learned that consistency and patience can help me become successful in this business.”

The Women in Stone Empowerment Scholarship provides a trip to one of three 2018 stone industry event: TISE, Coverings, or the MIA+BSI Study Tour. Candidates should have a minimum of two years of experience, be currently employed by an MIA+BSI member company, and must be a first-time attendee of the chosen event. The deadline to apply for the 2017 Women in Stone Empowerment Scholarship is August 4.

“This scholarship, to say the least, changed not only the path of my career but also my personal life on many levels,” said Jessica Lussier, winner of the 2016 Women in Stone Empowerment Scholarship. “It helped put me on a professional map at a very young age—that would have taken years to reach without this opportunity. Every ‘go-getter’ woman in this industry deserves this chance, and should apply.”

For more information, visit www.naturalstoneinstitute.org.