CFAH Scholarship Fund

Congratulations to the Society's Scholarship Recipients for the
2025-2026 school year:

Jose Vazquez Velarde - Rice University

Sizhe Ma - University of St. Thomas

IBK Toluwase - University of Houston

Jose Vazquez Velarde

What I Do Now: Full-Time MBA Candidate Class of 2026 at Rice University

Future Plans: Post-MBA, I aspire to build a long-term career in the Asset Management industry, where I can continue developing my expertise while contributing meaningfully to the financial ecosystem.

Fun Facts: I was a Track & Field athlete during my college career and got 3rd place in the National Championships in 2020. Also, I love dancing Latin music such as Salsa or Bachata.

Thankfulness to CFA Houston: I am deeply honored and sincerely grateful to the CFA Society of Houston for awarding me this scholarship. Beyond easing the financial burden of my studies, this recognition strengthens my commitment to the highest ethical standards in finance and inspires me to continue pursuing my goal of becoming a portfolio manager. It has also enabled me the opportunity to connect with an outstanding community of professionals whose leadership will motivate me to give back and contribute meaningfully to the industry. Thank you for investing in my journey and for shaping the future of finance through your support.

Sizhe Ma

What I Do Now: University of St Thomas

Future Plans: After graduation, I'm excited to dive into the world of corporate finance or investment-related roles that allow me to apply my financial modeling and strategic thinking skills. 

Fun Facts: I enjoy playing Go —— help me stay sharp and think a few steps ahead. Hiking and watching sunsets is my way to reset after a busy week.

Thankfulness to CFA Houston: I really appreciate CFA Houston for supporting students like me—it’s not just financial help, but also a great way to meet people and grow professionally. I look forward to getting involved and learning from the CFA Houston community in the year ahead.

IBK Toluwase

What I Do Now:  I am an MBA – Finance & Consulting candidate, class of 2026 at the C. T. Bauer College of Business, University of Houston.

Future Plans: My post-MBA goal is to make meaningful impact within any organization I engage with. I aim to position myself as a dynamic professional in Investment Management who serves with integrity and commitment. I will contribute to shaping industry trends, optimizing financial strategies and driving value creation for both individuals and organizations.

Fun Facts:  I am an early riser and an avid hot black tea drinker.  I enjoy watching fast-paced action movies. I have a strong appetite for gaining new knowledge and I like to volunteer for causes related to women’s empowerment.

Thankfulness to CFA Houston: I am grateful to The CFA Society of Houston for their invaluable support through this scholarship. This does not only provide financial assistance to me currently but also serves as a vote of confidence in my ability to represent the CFA Society with distinction throughout my career. I am truly honored and thankful for this opportunity.

CFA Society Houston
Scholarship Fund

The CFAH Scholarship Fund, a 501(c)(3) organization, was established as a separate legal entity in April 2002. Contributions to CFAH Scholarship Fund have since been tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. The activities of CFAH Scholarship Fund currently include awarding scholarships to local university students expressing interest in a career in the investment decision-making profession. The scholarship committee is responsible for reviewing and selecting the recipients.

Scholarship Opportunities

The CFA Society of Houston awards $3,000 annually to three deserving students: one each from Rice University, The University of Houston,  and the University of St. Thomas. Each Spring, the CFA Houston Scholarship Committee accepts applications from each of the three universities from graduate business students that have one year remaining in their studies. Applicants are asked to submit a resume and an essay on why they are pursuing the CFA ® designation along with their financial needs. The committee reviews the applications and interviews the prospective applicants while also gathering feedback from the school liaisons that work directly with the committee. From there, one winner from each school is awarded the Society's annual scholarship with the recipients also being invited to a future CFA event where they are formally acknowledged amongst members of the Society.

The CFA Society of Houston funds these scholarships solely through member donations, which serve as tax deductible charitable contributions. CFA Houston members have generously supported the fund, which has enabled the Society to help “pass the torch” to some excellent future candidates in the business.

Current CFA Society of Houston Scholarship Co-Chairs:

Lay Huang, CFA at [email protected]
Carl Albrecht, CFA  at [email protected]

CFA Program Access Scholarships

The CFA Institute provides funding for several scholarships annually to Houston-area CFA® candidates to use towards their registration and enrollment fees for either the June or December exams of the CFA® Program. The variety of scholarships allow more people to participate in CFA Program. Scholarships are awarded on a rolling basis, allowing candidates to select from multiple upcoming exam offerings. Below we highlight Access Awards for candidates in the Greater Houston area. The goal of the Access Scholarship program is to provide greater access to the CFA program for those that otherwise could not afford it.  Applicants for this Society's scholarship must live within 200 miles of Houston, Texas, must be eligible to enroll into the CFA Program, and must not be reimbursed by their company for exam fees. CFA exam level I, II or III candidates are eligible to apply for these scholarships. Applicants may be students, Society members or prospective Society members. The Access Scholarship awards waive the enrollment fee and exam registration fees are reduced to $250 USD. Recipients apply their scholarships to either the June or December exams, and must register and sit for the exam in the relevant exam year awarded to continue being eligible for future Access scholarships.

Click the link below for application instructions, evaluation criteria, scholarship rules, and to the Access Scholarships: 

https://www.cfainstitute.org/en/programs/cfa/scholarships/access