About the FARE HBCU SIE Scholarship
The Financial Alliance for Racial Equity (FARE) HBCU Scholarship aims to provide current FARE HBCU students with the opportunity to receive their Securities Essential Exam (SIE) designation. This scholarship will provide approximately 15 FARE HBCU students with $2,000 each to help prepare them to sit for and take the exam. If the recipient passes the SIE exam there is a bonus of $1,000. The Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) is one of the first steps to take when starting a career in financial services.
Our Sponsors
For Students Applicants
Students interested in applying for the FARE HBCU SIE Scholarship
- Application acceptance dates: September 18 – October 25, 2024
- Must be a current FARE HBCU student and attending a FARE HBCU partner campus
- Must maintain a 3.2+ GPA and in good academic standing; official transcript required
- Active on campus and in community
- Demonstrated interest in financial services and/or major connected to the financial services industry
- Must be 18 years of age
- Must be a U.S. Permanent resident, U.S Citizen or active student visa
- Must exhibit professionalism and the ability to enhance and maintain the profession’s public image, as demonstrated in an essay to be submitted during the application process
Scholarship Award
The HBCU scholarship will be awarded in 2-3 installments:
Scholarship awards will be disbursed once the recipient has provided proof of enrollment in an SIE study course ($1,000).
An additional award will be disbursed once the recipient has registered and provided proof of registration for an SIE exam ($1,000).
$1,000 bonus provided to students that provide proof that they passed the SIE exam
2024 FARE HBCU SIE Scholarship FAQ & Application Guidelines
What is the FARE HBCU SIE Scholarship?
This scholarship provides 15 HBCU students with $2,000 each to help them prepare for and take the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam.
What is the SIE Exam?
The SIE exam, offered by FINRA, is a general industry exam that tests basic knowledge of financial products, risks, industry structure, regulatory agencies and prohibited practices.
What does the scholarship cover?
It covers exam fees, study materials, and additional support to help you prepare for the SIE exam.
What do you need to apply?
You’ll need to submit an application form, transcript, resume, two references, and two 500-word essays.
Who is eligible to apply for the scholarship?
- Current students at a FARE HBCU partner campus
- Students with a 3.2 GPA or higher and are in good academic standing (official transcript required)
- U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident, or holder of an active student visa
What is the scholarship award structure?
The scholarship will be awarded in 2-3 installments:
- First Award ($1,000): After providing proof of enrollment in an SIE study course.
- Second Award ($1,000): After providing proof of registration for the SIE exam.
- Bonus Award ($1,000): After providing proof of passing the SIE exam.
What are the benefits of taking the SIE?
Passing the SIE gives college students a competitive edge in securing internships or entry-level roles in financial services. It also shows commitment to the industry and opens the door to further certifications, making them more attractive to employers.
Do I need to be sponsored by a firm to take the exam?
The exam is open to anyone, including students and career changers, without the need for firm sponsorship.
What happens after I pass the SIE exam?
Once you pass the SIE exam, you’ll need to pass a specialized qualification exam (or “top-off” exam) to become fully licensed, depending on your job role within a financial firm.
Where can I find the best SIE prep courses?
Investopedia offers a list of the best SIE exam prep courses to help you prepare.
FARE HBCU SIE Scholarship Application
Please use the form below to apply for the 2024 Scholarship.
Essay
Create and upload an essay stating why the SIE designation is critical to your professional development and career aspirations and why this scholarship would assist you financially (maximum 500 words).
Headshot
Upload a professional headshot in the form below with your application.
References
Application Guidelines:
- Essay: Create and upload an essay stating why the SIE designation is critical to your professional development and career aspirations and why this scholarship would assist you financially (maximum 500 words)
- References: Please submit two professional references with your application.
- Transcript: Upload your transcript in the upload box below at the bottom of the form.
- Professional Headshot: Upload a professional headshot in the upload box at the bottom of the form.
- Resume: Upload your resume in the upload box at the bottom of the form.
Apply for 2024 scholarships
Use the form below to begin your application.
Full applications are due by Friday October 25, 2024
