Finance Scholarships: A 2012 Retrospective
The year 2012 saw a continuation of efforts to support aspiring finance professionals through a variety of scholarship opportunities. While specific details about deadlines and individual scholarship awards from that year are now largely historical, understanding the types of scholarships available then provides valuable context for aspiring finance students today.
In 2012, finance scholarships largely fell into several categories. Merit-based scholarships were a common offering, rewarding students with exceptional academic records, high standardized test scores (such as the GMAT for graduate programs), and impressive extracurricular activities. These scholarships often came from universities directly, competing to attract the brightest minds to their finance programs. Examples might have included full or partial tuition waivers based solely on academic excellence.
Need-based scholarships addressed financial barriers to education. Organizations like the Sallie Mae Fund and various community foundations offered scholarships to students demonstrating significant financial need. Eligibility criteria typically involved completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and providing documentation of family income and assets. These scholarships aimed to make finance education accessible to students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Diversity scholarships were crucial in promoting inclusivity within the finance industry. Organizations dedicated to supporting underrepresented groups, such as the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) and the Association of Latino Professionals For America (ALPFA), offered scholarships to minority students pursuing finance degrees. These scholarships often came with mentorship programs and networking opportunities, further assisting recipients in their career development. Scholarships specifically targeted towards women in finance were also available, reflecting the ongoing efforts to address gender imbalances in the field.
Industry-specific scholarships were another important source of funding. Financial institutions, accounting firms, and professional organizations (like the CFA Institute) provided scholarships to students interested in particular areas of finance. These scholarships frequently included internships or job shadowing opportunities, providing valuable practical experience alongside financial assistance. For example, a brokerage firm might have offered a scholarship to a student interested in wealth management, providing them with a summer internship in their wealth management division.
Finally, many regional and local scholarships were available, often funded by community foundations or local businesses. These scholarships typically had residency requirements and focused on supporting students within a specific geographic area. While these scholarships might have offered smaller award amounts compared to national scholarships, they were often less competitive and provided valuable support to local students pursuing finance careers.
Although 2012 is in the past, the core principles behind these scholarship programs remain relevant. Aspiring finance students should research current scholarship opportunities aligning with their academic achievements, financial needs, background, and career interests. Websites like Scholarships.com, Fastweb, and the financial aid sections of university websites are excellent resources for finding up-to-date information on available scholarships.