The deadline for the Marble Institute of America's (MIA) Natural Stone Scholarship is Friday, July 17.

According to the association, the scholarship gives new stone professionals the chance to gain technical and practical knowledge, network and explore their future leadership potential. The scholarship is open to aspiring fabricators, installers and administrative apprentices who have less than five years of experience in the natural stone industry, work for an MIA company and are employed by an MIA company when the award is presented.

Applicants should submit a completed application form, along with a 250 to 500 word essay describing their commitment to the natural stone industry and a letter of recommendation from their employer.

The scholarship covers travel and registration expenses for StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas, held Jan.19 to 22 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. Winners will also attend MIA’s Annual Meeting, which will be held in conjuction with the StonExpo/Marmomacc show.

For more information, visit marble-institute.com/awards.