CLA Foundation Opportunity Scholarship Program Scholarship 2026

The CLA Foundation Opportunity Scholarship Program is now accepting applications for 2026. This prestigious scholarship seeks to identify and award America’s future leaders in finance, accounting, business, and other emerging fields of study. Selected recipients will receive a one‑time $15,000 scholarship to support their undergraduate or graduate studies at an accredited U.S. institution. If you are looking for similar opportunities across the United States, explore fully funded scholarships in USA for international students.

About the Scholarship

The CLA Foundation Opportunity Scholarship Program is administered by Scholarship America®, the nation’s largest designer and manager of scholarships and education support programs. The program is sponsored by the CLA Foundation, which is affiliated with CliftonLarsonAllen LLP (CLA), a leading professional services firm. The goal is to support students pursuing degrees in industry‑related areas that align with CLA’s work, including traditional fields like accounting and finance as well as emerging disciplines such as artificial intelligence, data science, and cybersecurity.

Award Amount

• $15,000 one‑time scholarship

• Up to 69 awards will be granted

• Awards are for both undergraduate and graduate study

Eligibility Criteria for CLA Foundation Opportunity Scholarship

Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

• Citizenship/Residency: Must be high school seniors, high school graduates, current college undergraduates, or graduate level students in the United States.

• Enrollment: Must plan to enroll in full‑time undergraduate or graduate study at an accredited two‑year or four‑year college, university, or graduate school for the entire upcoming academic year.

• Field of Study: Must be pursuing a degree in an industry‑related area of study connected to CLA, including but not limited to:

  • Accounting

  • Business

  • Finance

  • Emerging areas:

    • Computer Science

    • Data Science and Analytics

    • Cybersecurity

    • Human‑Centered Design and User Experience (UX/UI)

    • Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

    • Legal Technology and Regulatory Compliance (RegTech)

    • Cognitive Science and Robotics

    • Communications and Digital Media

    • Ethics and Technology Management

• Minimum GPA: 2.5 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent)

• Not eligible: Current or former interns at CLA or the CLA Foundation; CLA employees; immediate family members of CLA employees (including spouses/partners and grandchildren); children of CLA employees, officers, and executives.

For students seeking other funded programs in North America, check latest scholarships in USA for all nationalities.

Selection Criteria 

Recipients are selected based on:

• Academic performance

• Demonstrated leadership and participation in school and community activities

• Work experience

• Statement of educational and career goals and objectives

• Unusual personal or family circumstances

• One online recommendation

• Financial need (calculated by Scholarship America) – must be demonstrated

Not all applicants will be selected. All decisions are final.

Required Documents for CLA Foundation Opportunity Scholarship

As part of your application, you must upload:

1. A current, complete transcript of grades (grade reports are not accepted). Transcripts must display:

   • Student name

   • School name

   • Grades

   • Credit hours for each course and term

2. SAT or ACT test scores (if not listed on your high school transcript – upload separately)

3. One online recommendation form submitted on your behalf no later than three business days after the application deadline

Your application is not complete unless all materials are submitted electronically.

Important Dates

• Applications Open: Now open

• Deadline: May 19, 2026 at 3:00 PM CT (Central Time)

• Notification: All applicants will be notified in July via email

Important: When setting up your account, avoid using a school or work email. Use an active, personal email address that you will continue to have access to.

Payment of Scholarships

Scholarship America processes scholarship payments in early August.

Additional Opportunities

Recipients may receive internship opportunities with CLA affiliated offices. If you are interested in joining the CLA Talent Community, you can sign up through their website.

For students who want to explore more financial aid options in the United States, see America's latest scholarships in 2026 for a broader list.

How to Apply in CLA Foundation Opportunity Scholarship

Follow these steps to apply for the CLA Foundation Opportunity Scholarship:

Step 1: Visit the official CLA Opportunity Scholarship page (hosted by Scholarship America).

Step 2: Click the “Apply” button and create a new account or log in to an existing Scholarship America account.

Step 3: Complete the online application form with your personal, academic, and financial information.

Step 4: Upload your current transcript (and test scores if required).

Step 5: Write and submit your statement of educational and career goals.

Step 6: Provide the contact information for your recommender. They will receive an email to submit the recommendation online.

Step 7: Review your application and submit before the May 19, 2026, 3:00 PM CT deadline.

For additional financial aid options across North America, explore financial aids for students in North America.

Final Thoughts

The CLA Foundation Opportunity Scholarship Program is a fantastic opportunity for students pursuing degrees in accounting, finance, business, and emerging tech fields like AI, data science, and cybersecurity. With a $15,000 award and up to 69 scholarships available, this program can significantly reduce the financial burden of higher education. The deadline is May 19, 2026 – so start your application today. For a complete list of open scholarships across the continent, visit list of all open scholarships in North America.

Don’t miss your chance to be recognized as one of America’s future leaders.

Apply Now for CLA Foundation Opportunity Scholarship