Compacom Finance Future Scholarship

Eligibility Requirements:
To be eligible, applicants must meet all of the following criteria as of the application deadline:

• Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or DACA recipient
• Be at least 18 years of age
• Be currently enrolled in, or accepted to begin in the next academic term, an accredited two-year, four-year, or graduate program at a U.S. college or university
• Be pursuing a degree in finance, accounting, economics, business administration with a finance concentration, financial planning, actuarial science, or a closely related field
• Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent)
• Submit a complete application by the deadline

Who is Not Eligible:
The following individuals are not eligible to apply:

• Current or former employees, officers, directors, or contractors of COMPACOM or any affiliated entity
• Immediate family members (spouse, parent, child, sibling, or in-law) of any of the above
• Anyone who has previously received the COMPACOM Finance Future Scholarship
• Residents of any jurisdiction where the scholarship is void or restricted by law

Application Requirements
A complete application includes the following materials. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

• Online application form — basic biographical information, school details, and intended graduation date
• Current resume — one to two pages, including academic achievements, work experience, volunteer activities, and relevant extracurriculars
• Official or unofficial academic transcript — most recent available, showing cumulative GPA
• Proof of enrollment or acceptance — a current enrollment verification letter, acceptance letter, or registration confirmation from your institution
• One letter of recommendation — from a professor, academic advisor, employer, or community leader who can speak to your academic ability and character. The letter must be on official letterhead, dated within the last 12 months, and signed.
• Personal essay — 600 to 800 words, responding to the prompt below

Essay prompt
How can financial literacy and responsible financial decision-making improve economic outcomes for underserved communities in the United States? Drawing on what you have studied, observed, or experienced, describe one specific change you would champion as a future finance professional and explain why it matters.

Essays will be evaluated on clarity of thought, depth of insight, originality, evidence of research or lived experience, and quality of writing. We are not looking for a particular viewpoint — we want thoughtful, well-supported analysis.

Essay Topics to Choose From:
The essay topic for the scholarship award from Compacom can vary each year, but here are some potential essay topics that may be relevant to the field of finance and personal finance:

• Evaluating the Impact of Allotment Loans on Financial Stability and Well-being: A Comprehensive Analysis
• Online Payday Loans: A Modern Convenience or a Growing Concern?
• The benefits and drawbacks of using credit cards for managing personal finances.
• The role of technology in personal finance and how it can be used to improve financial wellness.
• The Role of Tribal Loans in Promoting Economic Stability and Entrepreneurship in Native Communities
• The benefits and drawbacks of investing in the stock market for long-term financial goals.
• The Microeconomics of $5,000 Loans: An Analysis of Demand and Supply Factors
• The impact of student loan debt on personal finance and how it can be managed after graduation.
• No Credit Check Payday Loans: A Detailed Analysis of Market Trends and Consumer Preferences
• The impact of the gig economy on personal finance and how it can be used to supplement income.

Award Details:

• Amount: $1,500
• Number of recipients: 1 per academic year
• Disbursement: The award is paid directly to the recipient’s college or university financial aid office and applied to qualified educational expenses (tuition, mandatory fees, required books, and required course supplies).
• Renewability: This is a one-time award. Past recipients may not reapply.
• Use of funds: Per IRS guidelines, the scholarship is intended for qualified educational expenses. Funds used for non-qualified expenses (room and board, travel, optional equipment) may be considered taxable income to the recipient.