The CLA Foundation Opportunity Scholarship Program 2026 is a prestigious academic award designed to support students pursuing careers in finance, accounting, business, and emerging technology fields. Sponsored by the CLA Foundation, this scholarship aims to identify and support the next generation of leaders in business, analytics, and digital innovation.
With awards of up to $15,000 and up to 69 recipients selected annually, this program is one of the most competitive business-focused scholarships in the United States.
Overview of CLA Foundation Opportunity Scholarship 2026
- Scholarship Provider: CLA Foundation
- Country: United States
- Award Amount: $15,000 (one-time scholarship)
- Number of Awards: Up to 69
- Application Deadline: May 19, 2026 (3:00 PM CT)
- Study Level: Undergraduate and Graduate
- Program Type: Merit + Need-based Scholarship
Degree Level
The scholarship is open to:
- High school seniors
- High school graduates
- Undergraduate students
- Graduate students
Applicants must be enrolled or planning to enroll in a full-time degree program at an accredited U.S. institution.
Available Subjects
The CLA Scholarship supports students pursuing degrees in:
Core Fields:
- Accounting
- Finance
- Business Administration
- Economics
Emerging Fields:
- Computer Science
- Data Science & Analytics
- Cybersecurity
- Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
- UX/UI and Human-Centered Design
- Legal Technology (RegTech)
- Robotics & Cognitive Science
- Digital Media & Communications
Benefits
Selected recipients of the CLA Foundation Opportunity Scholarship receive:
- $15,000 one-time scholarship award
- Financial support for undergraduate or graduate studies
- Access to potential internship opportunities with CLA-affiliated offices
- Networking opportunities in finance and consulting industries
- Recognition as an emerging future leader in business and technology
Eligible Nationalities
Open to domestic students only.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must study at a U.S. accredited college or university
- Must pursue a degree related to business, finance, accounting, or emerging tech fields
- Must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
- Must demonstrate leadership, academic performance, and career goals
- Financial need will be considered
- Must submit recommendation and academic transcripts
Ineligible Applicants:
- CLA employees or interns
- Immediate family members of CLA staff
Application Procedure
Step 1: Online Application
Complete the application through the official scholarship platform managed by Scholarship America.
Step 2: Upload Documents
Submit transcripts, recommendation forms, and required academic documents.
Step 3: Recommendation Submission
Ensure at least one recommendation is submitted within three days after the deadline.
Step 4: Selection Process
Applications are reviewed based on:
- Academic performance
- Leadership experience
- Career goals and personal statement
- Financial need and personal circumstances
Step 5: Notification
All applicants are notified in July 2026, and payments are issued in August.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit:
- Official academic transcript (must include grades and credit hours)
- One online recommendation form
- Personal statement of career and academic goals
- Optional standardized test scores (if not on transcript)
Selection Criteria
Recipients are selected based on:
- Academic excellence
- Leadership and extracurricular involvement
- Work experience or internships
- Career clarity and motivation
- Financial need (considered in evaluation process)
Why Apply for CLA Foundation Scholarship?
This scholarship is ideal for students who want to build careers in:
- Accounting and financial services
- Business analytics and consulting
- Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies
- Cybersecurity and digital transformation
It also provides real-world career exposure through internship opportunities with CLA-affiliated organizations.