Pathways to Prosperity Scholarship


This year we are proud to announce our inaugural Pathways to Prosperity Scholarship. It’s dedicated to supporting disadvantaged students who aspire to attend college and build impactful careers in finance or related fields. This scholarship seeks to empower the next generation of trailblazers by providing financial support, mentorship opportunities, and resources to help them unlock their full potential and make meaningful contributions to the world of finance.


AWARDS

The Pathways to Prosperity Scholarship awards are merit-based and awarded to qualified students with a consideration of financial need. All recipients shall be in pursuit of a 4-years Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and as described by the respective scholarship criteria. 

Pathways to Prosperity will award one  scholarship in the amount of $1,000.00. Awards are renewable up to three years on the basis of satisfactory academic performance maintaining a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, full-time enrollment, and continued enrollment in the eligible major.


The program will use criteria including the consideration of academic performance, demonstrated leadership and participation in school and community activities, work experience, a statement of career and educational goals and objectives, unusual personal or family circumstances, recommendations, and a short essay.

As part of the application process, you will be asked to submit the following:

  • Fully completed application

  • Three letters of recommendation:

    • At least one letter must be from a faculty or staff member at your school.

    • Two from non-family members. Letters of recommendation should include contact information of the writer. (Letters must be on letterhead.)

  • Transcript:

    • A current, complete transcript of grades. Grade reports are not accepted.

    • Transcripts must display student name, school name, and credit hours for each course and term in which the course was taken.

    • Note, if you are providing SAT or ACT test scores, and those scores are not listed on your high school transcript, you will need to upload a copy of your test score report(s) separately.

  • One essay: The essay will need to be no more than 500 words. **Pick one topic below

  • Letter of acceptance & financial aid award

  • Mandatory required attendance to receive the scholarship:

    • Week of April 6, 2025 - Zoom Interview evening hours.

    • Scholarship Award Gala: June 2025

Please, also note that all applications must be submitted by March 31, 2025 to be considered for fall scholarship.

Eligibility

  • Achieved a cumulative GPA of 2.8 out of 4.0 or higher

  • Attend a Bronx high school and current resident of Bronx, NY

  • **Acceptance to bachelor program in finance or related fields

  • Require financial assistance to attend college.

Timeline

  • Application opens: December 1, 2024

  • Submission deadline: March 31, 2025

  • Interview: April 6, 2025

  • Applicant notifications: April 15, 2025

  • Scholarship Award Gala: June TBD, 2025

  • Scholarship Disbursement: August 2025

Essay Topics

  1. Your Vision for Finance
    Describe how you plan to use your education in finance or a related field to address challenges in underserved communities or create opportunities for economic empowerment.

  2. Overcoming Barriers
    Share a personal experience where you overcame challenges related to your background or circumstances. How did this shape your desire to pursue a career in finance or a related field?

  3. Passion for Finance
    What inspired your interest in finance or a related field? How do you see yourself making an impact in this industry, and what drives your passion?

  4. Mentorship and Giving Back
    Describe how you would use your future career in finance to mentor others or give back to your community.

  5. The Role of Finance in Society
    Explain why you believe finance is a critical tool for creating equity and opportunity in society. How do you see yourself contributing to this mission?

  6. Your Future Self
    Imagine yourself 10 years from now. What have you accomplished in your career, and how has your journey been shaped by your pursuit of finance and this scholarship opportunity?

  7. Finance Through My Eyes
    Write a narrative about a time when you observed or experienced the impact of financial systems in your community. How did this influence your career ambitions?