Carlsbad, Calif. – July 19, 2006 — The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) was recently honored by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT) as a 2006 School of Distinction.      

GIA was one of 31 schools out of the more than 840 in ACCSCT’s membership to qualify for the 2006 School of Distinction Award. The award honors institutions that have a proven record of providing quality education programs and that demonstrate a commitment to the expectations of the Commission’s accreditation.

GIA’s On Campus education programs have been accredited by the group since 1973.

“The School of Distinction award is the highest honor ACCSCT awards to its accredited schools. By achieving the School of Distinction award, the Gemological Institute of America has shown its commitment not only to the value of accreditation and educational quality, but also to the students and communities which it serves,” said Michale McComis, Ed.D. and associate executive director for the ACCSCT.  

The Commission has been recognized by the United States Department of Education as a private, nonprofit, independent accrediting agency for the past 35 years. The agency recognizes non-degree-granting and degree-granting schools in the United States that are predominately geared toward occupational, trade, and technical careers.

“We strive to make the total GIA experience exceptional from our students’ first contact to their graduation,” Brook Ellis, vice president of Education, said. “We are very pleased to be recognized by the ACCSCT with the School of Distinction Award because it validates our mission to ensure superior customer service.”  

Accreditation is a voluntary peer-review process that begins with the submission of an application and continues with periodic self-evaluation reports that assess the school’s curriculum, faculty, student recruitment, admissions, student services, student progress and management. An on-site visit from a Commission team follows. They examine the facilities; interview management and staff; survey students, graduates and employers; and verify that the school is operating in compliance with the Standards of Accreditation and meeting its announced objectives. The Commission then determines whether schools will be granted initial or renewed accreditation.

Susan Johnson, director of Education Administration, accepted the School of Distinction Award with Ellis at the group’s annual business meeting and awards breakfast, themed “Today’s Reality, Tomorrow’s Opportunity,” in Las Vegas, Nevada on June 12. Johnson also serves as a volunteer team leader for on-site visits to other ACCSCT member schools.     

“It’s a great honor to be recognized as a School of Distinction by the ACCSCT,” Johnson said. “This award is a direct reflection of GIA’s team approach to leadership and management, and of our fantastic staff, who prepare our students and graduates to pursue their dreams of a career in the gem and jewelry industry.”

About GIA

An independent nonprofit organization, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is recognized as the world's foremost authority in gemology. Established in 1931, GIA has translated its expert knowledge into the most respected gemological education available. In 1953, the Institute created the International Diamond Grading System™ which, today, is recognized by virtually every professional jeweler in the world. Through research, education, gemological laboratory services, and instrument development, the Institute is dedicated to ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science, and professionalism. Media queries contact: Laura Simanton, 760-603-4112. 

Photo courtesy of the ACCSCT.