The Foundation Scholarship Program is now accepting applications for the 2024-2025 academic year. This year marks five years since the launch of the well-received scholarship program, which helps attract new and diverse talent. Inaugurated in 2020 to encourage students interested in potentially pursuing a career in the equipment finance industry, the program has grown from three scholarship awards initially of $5,000 to five in 2022, and now to a total of 10 scholarships of $5,000 in 2024. Nineteen students have received scholarships during the first four years of the program.
The Foundation scholarship program is an outgrowth of the success of the Foundation’s Campus to Career college presentation program. Scores of industry professionals have volunteered their time to speak at colleges and universities using the Foundation’s ready-made, customizable slide presentations about the equipment finance industry and its possible career paths. During these events, students have widely expressed their interest in scholarship opportunities, as well as internships.
“Foundation donor dollars are well spent on the scholarship program since it directs students to our industry,” said Donna Yanuzzi, Academic Outreach Committee Chair and EVP, 1st Equipment Finance, Inc. (FNCB Bank). “I know of two previous scholarship recipients who are currently working in the equipment finance industry, so we are seeing the value the program provides in terms of talent development and raising the visibility of the industry as a career option. It is one of the many ways our industry is paying it forward to make a lasting impact on the future.”
Foundation scholarship recipients have also had the opportunity to participate in ELFA networking events to connect with industry professionals while others have participated in internships showcasing the value of a career in equipment finance.
The additional five scholarships being awarded for the 2024-2025 academic year have been made possible by a donation from ELFA. This generous financial contribution demonstrates the association’s commitment to talent development in our industry, as well as support for the continued success of the Foundation’s academic outreach efforts.
The scholarship criteria and application form are available on the Foundation website. To be eligible for consideration for a scholarship in 2024, candidates must submit their applications online by May 10, 2024. We hope you will share the application program information within your organization and with students you know!
