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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam?
The SIE exam is FINRA’s general industry exam. It tests basic knowledge of products, risks, the structure and function of the securities industry and its regulatory agencies, and regulated and prohibited practices. Although ideal for university students and career changers, anyone can sit for the exam without prior association with a firm.
Can I take the SIE exam while I am still in college?
Yes! With a low exam fee ($60) and no firm sponsorship requirement, the SIE exam is ideal for university students who want to get a head start on a financial services career and, most importantly, stand out to potential employers by proving their mastery of basic industry knowledge and the ability to pass a high-stakes examination.
How can I use the SIE to my advantage in my career?
The SIE gives you a head start on a financial services career. Current or potential employers are more likely to notice you because you can prove you have a grasp of basic industry knowledge and the ability to pass a high-stakes examination.
What topics are covered on the SIE exam?
The range of topics covered on the SIE exam include:
- Knowledge of Capital Markets
- Understanding Products and their Risks
- Understanding Trading, Customer Accounts, and Prohibited Activities
- Overview of the Regulatory Framework.
What happens after I pass the SIE exam?
How much does the exam usually cost?
Per FINRA, $80.00
When can i signup?
September 18 – October 25
Where can I find the best SIE exam prep courses?
You can find a list of the best SIE exam prep courses at Investopedia’s Best SIE Exam Prep Courses.
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
