Investments & Wealth Foundation: Apply for a Scholarship

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In the evolving financial services industry, your perspective is valuable, and your voice is needed.

Investments & Wealth Foundation scholarships are designed to reduce the barriers for entry into Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®), Certified Private Wealth Advisor® (CPWA®), and Retirement Management Advisor® (RMA®) certification programs so that you can access the advantages of premier professional development.

Who Is Eligible for a Scholarship?

The Investments & Wealth Foundation provides scholarships to individuals from groups that are currently underrepresented in our industry, including but not limited to:

  • African American, Black, Asian, Pacific Islander, Native American, Hispanic, Latin(o/a), and other people of color

  • Individuals with an ADA disability

  • Women

  • Veterans

  • Those who identify under the LGBTQ+ umbrella

  • Advisors from small, independent RIA or independent broker-dealer firms that don’t provide tuition reimbursement assistance

  • Any individual who can demonstrate financial need

What Scholarships Are Available?

The scholarships listed below offer recipients financial support that can be applied directly to the completion of an Institute certification program.

2026 Tuition

Scholarship Award

Applicant Responsibility

Scholarships Available
(per quarter)

CIMA® Certification

Yale School of Management

$6,295

$2,000

$4,295

5

University of Chicago Booth School of Business

$6,295

$2,250

$4,045

3

CPWA® Certification

Yale School of Management

$7,295

$2,000

$5,295

5

University of Chicago Booth School of Business

$6,995

$2,250

$4,745

7

Any Certification Program/Provider

Karen Lee Richards Advancing Women in Finance Scholarship*

$4,000

Varies by program

1

  • The Karen Lee Richards Advancing Women in Finance Scholarship is available to women only.

  • Scholarships are awarded on the basis of eligibility, financial need, and a required essay.

  • All scholarships are partial scholarships. None covers all of the tuition and fees of the program.

  • They cannot be used in combination with corporate discounts, or to cover additional costs such as travel, test prep, retake fees, or your initial certification fee.

  • The decision of the scholarship committee is final.

  • Scholarships require application within 90 days.

How to Apply: Steps to a Scholarship

First, select the certification program you want to pursue.

You’ll want to know not only which program best suits your goals, but when and how the executive education program will be offered.

Compare IWI Certifications→

Decide when you plan to enroll.

You can apply at any time, but remember you must:

  • Apply before you enroll in your selected program

  • Allow adequate time for application review before your program start date

  • Use your scholarship funds within 3 months of your award

TIP: The best time to apply is early in the quarter before your expected start date: in January, April, July, or October.

Then, submit your application.

Be thorough, thoughtful, and complete. Set aside the time you need to complete all the information, including the required essay question (250-500 words).

Apply Online→

Scholarship applications are evaluated by a committee and scholarship amounts are awarded based on eligibility, the quality of the application, demonstrated need, and available funds.

15 Business Days │ Typical time for the Scholarship Committee to review an application.

If you receive a scholarship, you’ll get information about how to use your award when you apply for your certification program.

With your certification enrollment, you’ll automatically receive a 2-year Basic IWI membership.

FAQ - If I can’t use my scholarship within 3 months, do I need to reapply?

Yes. The Foundation cannot guarantee you will receive the same scholarship amount if you reapply. In limited circumstances—such as medical emergency, death of a loved one, or a drastic change in your financial situation—the Scholarship Committee may agree to briefly extend your scholarship’s expiration.

Ready to Start Your Scholarship Application?

Apply Online Now→

"As a minority woman who has been in the industry for more than a decade and in settings where I am often the only person of color and/or woman in the room, I am used to the stereotypes that can often come with the territory. One of the ways I counter those misconceptions is through my proven experience in working with HNW clients. The assistance from the Foundation made it easier for me to pursue the CPWA® certification, and it has helped fine-tune my knowledge on how to better serve the complex wealth management and planning needs of my clients.”

Solitaire Dasher-Smiley, CFP®, CEPA®, CPWA®, CAIA®, MBA
Financial Advisor, Raymond James & Associates

Have a Question?

We have resources ready to support you.

If you’ve submitted an application and have questions—or are in the process of submitting—contact scholarships@i-w.org.

If you’d like to talk about the certification program that’s right for you, contact our enrollment counselors.

Contact Our Enrollment Team→

If you’re enrolled in a program and have questions, contact your candidate support person. For RMA® and CPWA®, contact Larry Payton. For CIMA®, contact Ashley Vargas.

Contact the IWI customer care team at 303-770-3377 or customercare@i-w.org.