Canadian sustainable and ethical jewelry brand Mejuri has announced a new scholarship program, the Design Excellence Award Scholarship Fund, aimed at supporting the next generation of jewelry designers. As part of the Empowerment Fund, Mejuri will provide $50,000 to educational institutions in the U.S., U.K., and Canada.
This scholarship, announced in 2024 as the latest project under Mejuri’s nine-year-old Empowerment Fund, embodies the vision of founder Noura Sakkijha to “expand the future of possibilities for individuals through education.”
Holly McHugh, Mejuri’s vice president of sustainability and social impact, stated, “Our CEO and founder, Noura, has long envisioned a foundation to fund education and remove barriers preventing individuals from pursuing the lives they want. We began to consider the most effective ways to start to create some positive change that was really connected to our brand values.”
The award provides $10,000 scholarships to each of the following institutions: Central Saint Martins, Rhode Island School of Design, Savannah College of Art and Design, OCAD University, and Vancouver Community College. Alongside financial support, the program offers portfolio reviews, special lectures, and mentorship from industry professionals, backing students in multiple aspects of their development.
McHugh noted, “We think it’s important for these creative individuals to be able to focus on their creative pursuits rather than be really burdened with financial stress.”
Founded in 2013, Mejuri has grown by pioneering a direct-to-consumer (DTC) model, delivering high-quality jewelry at accessible prices. Sakkijha, who comes from a family background in the jewelry industry, has been committed to fostering a culture where women can feel empowered to purchase jewelry for themselves.
The brand is also heavily invested in sustainability efforts, including using recycled materials and establishing ethical supply chains to reduce environmental impact. Established in 2020, the Empowerment Fund focuses on supporting women and minority communities, providing resources not only for education but also for career and leadership development. By 2030, Mejuri aims to expand the fund to $5 million, amplifying its commitment to educational support and empowerment initiatives.