The Center for Financial Advancement (CFA)Scholars Program has partnered with Shaw University. Eighteen students were selected based on academics, goals, ethics, interests, and more, to participate in the university’s first CFA Scholars cohort.
Shaw University is excited to have joined the Center for Financial Advancement, as a partner school in this initiative to uplift, educate, and train students at HBCU’s. In addition to now being a partner school and affording up to 20 students or more each year, Shaw students have an opportunity to become a CFA Scholar or Ambassador. CFA is also sponsoring the Experiential Learning and Career Development Center by contributing $25,000 annually to support career and professional development projects and initiatives for CFA Scholars and students utilizing the career center.
The CFA Scholars Program is an 8-month program, powered by Home Free USA – the largest African American-owned and operated mortgage servicing company in the country. During the program, scholars from 15 HBCUs will complete assignments, workshops, and other professional development activities to encourage growth in their careers, networking, internships, and financial awareness to ensure they are prepared for life and milestones post undergrad. The CFA Scholars program connects students to major sponsors such as Experian, Truist Bank, Wells Fargo, Rocket Mortgage, Mortgage Bankers Association, and many more. In addition to these experiences, all CFA Scholars and Ambassadors will earn stipends of up to $600 and $1,200 respectively upon completion of assignments and activities – and completion is tracked through their scorecard assignments. These assignments include applying for internships, participating in credit training, pitch competitions and meetings with their university liaisons. The university liaison at Shaw University is Director of the Experiential Learning and Career Development Center, Morgan Ray.
One of the highlight events for the program is the Money4Life Leadership Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. The program covered all expenses for nearly 300 scholars to attend the conference, which included a career expo, development workshops about professional dining etiquette, overcoming fear and imposter syndrome, and more. Another highlight event during the conference was the Sneaker Ball that took place on Day 1 of the conference. The students enjoyed food, music, games, and the opportunity to network with company representatives, students from other universities, and special guest speaker Ronnie Devoe, best known for being a member of the hit R&B groups New Edition and BBD. Devoe is a major player in real estate and finance in Georgia and was a welcome surprise to all.
University Director Luwanna Williams, Development Director Brandon Pierce, and Executive Director Gwen Garnett visit Shaw University on Wednesday, November 16th during Shaw’s Fall Early Career and Internship Fair to participate in a check presentation ceremony for the inaugural annual sponsorship of the Experiential Learning and Career Development Center in the amount of $25,000. The presentation was at the Willie E. Gary Student Center.
