Transitions Optical, in partnership with its Diversity Advisory Board, has named the recipients for its inaugural Diversity in Optical educational grant program, which aims to increase diverse representation in the optical industry by awarding students interested in pursuing optical careers in the U.S.
“We are thrilled to recognize and support our outstanding grant program awardees in their endeavors,” says Arlene Barringer, senior marketing manager, trade communications, Transitions. “The diversity of all applicants—from first-generation college students to those among the marginalized groups currently underrepresented in the U.S. optical industry—shows progress in achieving a more diverse, equitable and inclusive optical industry for the next generation.”
In the first year of the Diversity in Optical educational grant program, Transitions Optical received over 40 entries from students across the U.S. It awarded two grants in the amount of $5,000 to two optometry students attending accredited U.S. optometry schools or colleges. Additionally, three grants in the amount of $1,000 were awarded to three students attending or aspiring to attend opticianry programs in the U.S.
DIVERSITY IN OPTICAL GRANT AWARDEES
The Transitions® Diversity Advisory Board—which is comprised of practicing optometrists, ophthalmologists and opticians from the largest and fastest-growing minority demographic groups in the U.S.—served as the judging committee for all grants.
The 2024 optometry grant awardees include:
- Joshua Joseph, a third-year optometry student at University of Houston College of Optometry
- De’ja Montgomery, a second-year optometry student at University of Houston College of Optometry
The 2024 opticianry grant awardees include:
- Nora Marcela Ortiz Canales, an incoming opticianry program student at Hillsborough Community College
- Sophia Ambroise Mocarski, an opticianry program student at Connecticut State Community College
- Jing Yang, an opticianry program student at Connecticut State Community College
All awardees are invited to attend Transitions® Academy, one of the most well-recognized and unique educational events in the optical industry.
The Diversity in Optical grant funds can be used to help defray costs associated with pursuing a career in the optical industry, such as textbooks and educational materials associated with curriculum and tuition reimbursement.
With the ambition to help build a stronger and more sustainable pipeline of diverse talent in the optical industry, Transitions’ Diversity in Optical grant program will continue, with plans to announce a call for applications in Q1 2025.
Those students interested in applying are encouraged to follow Transitions on social media for any updates.
