Las Vegas—The American Gem Society has announced the Gemological Institute of America is now the presenting sponsor of its Young Titleholders committee. 

The sponsorship will help fund YT programs and initiatives in the upcoming year.

The Young Titleholders encourage the growth and development of young professionals while also helping to build connections between and a voice among the next generation of AGS leaders. 

Initiatives include scholarships, educational webinars, networking events, and a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion task force.

The group also has a mentorship program that pairs new professionals with accomplished and seasoned industry professionals in AGS to hone their skills and learn leadership tactics.

AGS said given the scope of the YT’s work and mission, the sponsorship is a great fit for GIA, which also recently announced the launch of online community portal GIA Alumni Collective. 

“Because of GIA’s support of the Young Titleholders, we can offer even more educational programming and networking opportunities,” said Maria Brown, chair of the Young Titleholders Committee. “With the AGS Young Titleholders working together, we are creating a new funnel of highly qualified professionals. I’m excited to see how this energetic group can further our industry.”

“Preparing the next generation for success in the gem and jewelry trade is a big part of the important consumer-protection mission shared by AGS and GIA,” said Susan Jacques, GIA president and CEO. “The YTs, with their GIA education and AGS titles, are not just the next generation of industry professionals; they are the next generation of industry leaders. We are so proud to support them.”