The CLA Foundation Opportunity Scholarship Program 2026 is a highly competitive scholarship in the United States designed to support students pursuing degrees in business, finance, accounting, and emerging technology fields.
Funded by the CLA Foundation and administered by Scholarship America, this $15,000 scholarship helps reduce financial barriers for students enrolled in accredited U.S. institutions.
This opportunity is ideal for students seeking financial aid while building careers in high-demand global industries.
Scholarship Overview
Key Details
The CLA Foundation Opportunity Scholarship is a one-time financial award for students in the United States.
- Award value: $15,000 (one-time payment)
- Number of awards: Up to 69 recipients
- Study level: Undergraduate and graduate
- Eligible institutions: Accredited U.S. colleges and universities
- Study location: United States
- Sponsor: CLA Foundation (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP)
- Application deadline: 19 May 2026 (3:00 PM CT)
The program recognizes students with strong academic performance, leadership potential, and financial need.
Eligible Fields of Study
Core Fields
- Accounting
- Business
- Finance
- Emerging Fields
- Computer Science
- Data Science and Analytics
- Cybersecurity
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
- UX/UI Design
- Legal Technology
- Robotics and Cognitive Science
- Communications and Digital Media
- Technology Ethics and Management
Eligibility Criteria
General Requirements
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be a high school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student
- Plan to enroll full-time in an accredited U.S. institution
- Study an eligible course
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
- Demonstrate leadership, academic achievement, and financial need
Ineligible Applicants
- Employees or interns of CLA LLP or CLA Foundation
- Immediate family members of employees or executives
Application Requirements
Required Documents
Applicants must submit:
- Academic transcript (showing grades and credits)
- SAT or ACT scores (if not included in transcript)
- One recommendation letter (submitted within three days after deadline)
- Incomplete applications will not be considered.
CLA Foundation Opportunity Scholarship Selection Process
How Applicants Are Chosen
Selection is handled by Scholarship America and is based on:
- Academic performance
- Leadership and community involvement
- Work experience
- Personal statement
- Financial need
- Recommendation letter
- Personal circumstances
Additional Benefits
Beyond Financial Support
Selected applicants may gain access to:
- Internship opportunities with CLA-affiliated offices
- Professional networking platforms
- Career exposure in finance, consulting, and technology
- Long-term career development opportunities
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the deadline for the CLA Foundation Opportunity Scholarship 2026?
The application deadline is 19 May 2026 at 3:00 PM Central Time (CT). Late applications will not be accepted.
How much is the CLA Foundation Scholarship worth?
The scholarship provides a one-time award of $15,000 to selected recipients.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- High school seniors
- Undergraduate students
- Graduate students
- Studying in the United States in approved fields.
What GPA is required for the scholarship?
Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent.
What documents are required for the application?
You will need:
- Academic transcript
- SAT/ACT scores (if applicable)
- One recommendation letter
Can international students apply?
This scholarship is primarily for students studying in the United States. Applicants must be enrolled or planning to enroll in a U.S. institution.
How many students will receive the scholarship?
Up to 69 students will be selected for the award.
When will the results be announced?
Successful applicants will be notified in July 2026, with payments made in early August 2026.
What fields of study are accepted?
Eligible fields include:
- Business and finance
- Accounting
- Computer science and data science
- Artificial intelligence and cybersecurity
- Other technology-related disciplines
Is this a fully funded scholarship?
This is a partial scholarship offering a one-time payment of $15,000. It does not cover all expenses but significantly reduces financial burden.
The CLA Foundation Opportunity Scholarship Program 2026 is a valuable financial aid opportunity for students pursuing higher education in the United States.
With a strong focus on academic excellence, leadership, and innovation, this scholarship offers both financial support and career advancement opportunities.
Interested applicants should ensure they submit complete applications before the 19 May 2026 deadline to be considered.