Program Overview
Undergraduate students selected for this program gain a unique opportunity to be mentored by industry leaders from FARE’s firm partner organizations. Through interactive mentoring workshops, students explore career pathways in financial services, build essential professional skills, and connect with like-minded peers. The program also includes a fully funded experience at the Conference of African American Financial Professionals (CAAFP)—one of the nation’s largest gatherings dedicated to advancing diversity in financial services. Selected students receive travel and lodging support. After the conference, participants gain access to continued resources, scholarship opportunities for industry designations, and ongoing engagement with The American College Center for Economic Empowerment and Equality. Program slots are limited.
Application window will open Spring 2026
Our Sponsors
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Mentorship Program Benefits
FARE Mentees will receive a number of benefits, including:
- Small group mentoring and one-on-one mentorship with seasoned financial services leaders
- Interactive Workshops on leadership, personal branding, and career readiness
- Career Pathway Exploration across banking, wealth management, insurance, investments, and more
- Peer Networking with like-minded students from a wide range of colleges and universities
- Fully Funded Attendance at the Conference of African American Financial Professionals (CAAFP)
PURPOSE:
Provide undergraduate students with an opportunity to attend the CAAFP, one of the largest gatherings of its kind in the country. Students chosen for the CEEE NextGen Program (formerly the CAAFP NextGen Program) will attend the conference at no cost, including travel and lodging. (Additional details apply.)
Before the conference, students will be paired with a FARE mentor, comprising leaders from financial service firms, and participate in virtual workshops. During the conference, students will engage in relevant seminars and inspiring sessions with a community of Financial Services professionals, entrepreneurs, academics, and executives.
Post-conference, students can access additional resources, apply for a designation scholarship, and continue to connect with The American College Center for Economic Empowerment and Equality. Program slots are limited.
Financial Conference for Students
Undergraduate Students
- Attend one of the nation’s largest financial services conferences at no cost.
- Get paired with a professional mentor and join virtual pre-conference workshops.
- Participate in impactful seminars and sessions with industry leaders.
- Access exclusive post-conference resources and scholarship opportunities.
- Connect with a powerful network committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
PROCESS:
Students can nominate themselves OR be nominated by someone they know for the opportunity to join the CEEE NextGen Program. Those accepted into the program will receive an email notification with additional details about the conference and the program’s expectations.
If you are a college faculty/staff or a community partner interested in bringing 5 or more students to the CAAFP 2025, please contact Tori Phillips, CEEE Program Director, at tori.phillips@theamericancollege.edu
Financial Conference for Students
Undergraduate Students
- Attend one of the nation’s largest financial services conferences at no cost.
- Get paired with a professional mentor and join virtual pre-conference workshops.
- Participate in impactful seminars and sessions with industry leaders.
PROCESS:
Students can nominate themselves OR be nominated by someone they know for the opportunity to join the CEEE NextGen Program. Those accepted into the program will receive an email notification with additional details about the conference and the program’s expectations.
If you are a college faculty/staff or a community partner interested in bringing 5 or more students to the CAAFP 2025, please contact Tori Phillips, CEEE Program Director, at tori.phillips@theamericancollege.edu
ELIGIBILITY:
To be eligible, the student must meet the following criteria:
Be nominated by themselves, an instructor, a supervisor, or a mentor
Be an undergraduate student enrolled in good standing
Be studying a business-related major or minor and show a strong interest in a financial services career
Demonstrate leadership qualities and academic potential
Program Requirements
The American College NextGen Program requires accepted students to complete necessary forms, finish the “Know Yourself, Grow Your Wealth” certificate, and participate in pre-conference workshops with FARE. Students must attend the CAAFP conference in Atlanta and actively engage in orientation, mentoring sessions, and workshops for a comprehensive learning experience.
CAmerican College NextGen
Accepted students must:
- Complete all program forms, including the CAAFP registration form
- Finish the Know Yourself, Grow Your Wealth certificate program by June 1, 2025, if not already completed
- Participate in the pre-conference workshops, hosted in collaboration with FARE
- Attend the CAAFP at the Signia by Hilton in Atlanta, GA, from August 11-13, 2025
- To make the most of the program, we ask that students attend all scheduled orientation and mentoring sessions, please listen attentively, take notes, and be ready to share reflections and/or ask questions
QUESTIONS:
Contact Tori Phillips, CEEE Program Director, at tori.phillips@theamericancollege.edu and FARE Program at info@thefare.org
Application Window is closed
Applications will open Spring 2026
FARE Mentors
FARE proudly introduces our Mentors. These dedicated leaders have been selected to represent FARE, fostering engagement, advancing our mission, and amplifying our initiatives within their communities.
Dori Hammond
Vice President of BD Testing
Osaic Wealth Inc.
Chief Compliance Officer
Osaic Services Inc.
David McCandless
Corporate Counsel, Corporate Legal Department
Federated Hermes
Erin Dugan
Director of Board Services, Legal Services-Board Relations
Federated Hermes
Nancy Sembuya
Global Inclusion Manager
RBC Wealth Management
Heather Rosales
Vice President, Senior Manager, Field Training & Development
RBC Wealth Management
Ben Hoecherl
Vice President, Product & Business Development – IMG
Nationwide
Ahmad Wells
Director of Business Program Management on the Business & Program Strategy Team (NRI)
Nationwide
Rodney Jones
Senior Investments Learning Consultant | FT Academy
Franklin Templeton
Anthony Cannon
Director, Talent Acquisition
NFP, an Aon Company
Kadeidra Honey-Brooks
Director of Wealth Strategy – Wealth and Tax Planning
WealthSpire Advisors (NFP)
Marvine Laurent
Managing Director, Finance and Operations
Lenox Advisors, Inc (NFP)
Tashula Gauthier
Director, Case Management
Financial Architects Partners (NFP)
Romaine Anglin
AVP, Program Management Office
NFP, an Aon Company
Bianca Williams
Regional Accountant
NFP, an Aon Company
2024 FARE Mentorship Program Application Form
Please fill out the following information and submit along with your professional letter of recommendation and essay responses to info@theFARE.org by March 22nd, 2024.
Please ensure that all sections of the application are completed accurately and submit your application package by the specified deadline. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
FARE Mentorship & The American College NextGen Program FAQ's
What Are The Program Requirements
- Current Student.
- Actively engaged in on-campus activities, clubs, and organizations.
- Demonstrated interest in the financial services industry.
- Effective communication skills (both written and verbal).
- Commitment to participating in scheduled and ad hoc mentoring sessions.
- School counselor, school of business dean, or academic advisor approval for current undergraduate students.
- GPA requirement: Good academic standing.
Who Can Nominate A Student
Students can nominate themselves OR be nominated by someone they know for the opportunity to join the CEEE NextGen Program.
Participating in the FARE mentorship program is one opportunity to give back and continue that cycle of investment, helping talented students pursue careers in financial services and honoring a culture and community that has blessed me in so many ways.
FARE Mentorship Testimonials
FARE Mentorship testimonials show how much we appreciate the support and opportunities that help us grow and succeed.
Participating in the FARE mentorship program is one opportunity to give back and continue that cycle of investment, helping talented students pursue careers in financial services and honoring a culture and community that has blessed me in so many ways.
I remember listening to a podcast and the host asked, “Would you rather have money or have access?” I quickly decided that I would rather have access because access can be shared. As a Black man in the financial industry, I recognize the importance of providing opportunities to those who might not typically have access. FARE has provided a platform for us to share access to our network, resources, and insights with young Black students. Together we’re doing our part to make sure that this level of access benefits more individuals of color, more families of color, and more communities of color.
