The CLA Foundation Opportunity Scholarship Program 2026 offers a big chance for students. It provides up to $15,000 in funding for those studying fields like accounting, business, and tech. This program aims to support future leaders in areas connected to CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, or CLA. Run by Scholarship America, it helps students across the U.S. cover college costs.
What Is the CLA Foundation Opportunity Scholarship Program 2026?
This scholarship targets students interested in careers tied to CLA’s work. CLA is a professional services firm focused on finance and business. The program picks students who show promise in key fields. It covers traditional areas and newer ones driven by technology. Applications opened recently, with a deadline of May 19, 2026.
Scholarship America handles the process. They manage many programs for companies and groups. Each application gets reviewed by their team. The goal is to find students ready to lead in growing industries.
Who Is Eligible?
You must meet these basic rules to apply:
- Be a high school senior, recent graduate, or current undergrad or grad student in the U.S.
- Plan full-time study at an accredited two- or four-year college or university next year.
- Aim for a degree in CLA-related fields, such as:
- Accounting
- Business
- Finance
- 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
You need a GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Some people cannot apply. This includes current or recent interns at CLA or the CLA Foundation, CLA employees, and their immediate family members like spouses, partners, grandchildren, children, officers, or executives.
Award Amounts and Numbers
Winners get $15,000 each. The program plans to give out up to 69 awards. This money helps with tuition and other school costs for the full academic year. Funds go directly to your school.
How Winners Are Chosen
Judges look at several factors:
- Your grades and academic record.
- Leadership roles and activities in school or community.
- Any work experience you have.
- Your essay on education and career goals.
- Special personal or family challenges you face.
- A recommendation from someone online.
Strong applications show balance across these areas. They want students with drive and real-world involvement.
Steps to Apply
Start by going to the application page. You will need to upload a full transcript. It must show your name, school, grades, credit hours, and terms. Grade reports do not count.
For full details, check the CLA Foundation Opportunity Scholarship page. Submit everything by May 19, 2026, to be considered.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CLA Foundation Opportunity Scholarship Program 2026?
It offers up to $15,000 to U.S. students studying fields like accounting, business, finance, and tech areas connected to CLA’s work.
Who is eligible to apply?
High school seniors, recent graduates, or current undergrad/grad students planning full-time study at an accredited school with a 2.5 GPA or higher in CLA-related fields. CLA employees, interns, and their families cannot apply.
What is the application deadline?
All applications must be submitted by May 19, 2026.
How are winners selected?
Judges review grades, leadership, work experience, essays on goals, personal challenges, and recommendations to pick students with drive and real-world involvement.