CFAH Scholarship Fund

Congratulations to the Society's Scholarship Recipients for the
2026-2027 school year:

Elias Farhat - University of Houston

Thuy Hang Ngo - Rice University

Chih-Jung Ting - University of St. Thomas

Zachary Rodgers - Texas A&M University

Elias Farhat

What I Do Now: I am an Acquisitions Analyst at Dhanani Private Equity Group and a Master of Science in Finance candidate at the C. T. Bauer College of Business at the University of Houston.

Future Plans: My long-term goal is to build a career in institutional investing, contributing to global investment organizations through disciplined analysis, strategic capital allocation, and a long-term investment perspective.

Fun Facts: I have lived, studied, and worked across multiple countries and am fluent in four languages. I earned my degree in Economics from Yale University and contributed research to an upcoming book to be published by Oxford University Press. Outside of finance, I enjoy following international affairs, soccer, and exploring different cultures through travel.

Thankfulness to CFA Houston: I am grateful to CFA Society Houston for this scholarship and the opportunity to be part of such a respected professional community. As a first-generation student who has lived and studied across multiple countries, I have developed a deep appreciation for the role finance and responsible capital allocation play in creating opportunity and long-term growth. This scholarship supports my pursuit of the CFA Program and my goal of building a career in institutional investing and asset management. I look forward to learning from CFA Houston members, growing professionally, and giving back to the investment community in the future.

Thuy Hang Ngo

What I Do Now: First-Year MBA Candidate, Class of 2027 at Rice University's Jones Graduate School of Business

Future Plans: Post-MBA, I aspire to build a career in investment management and corporate finance, where I can apply my analytical background to drive meaningful impact.

Fun Facts: I am an official FIFA World Cup 2026 volunteer here in Houston — getting a front-row seat to the world's biggest sporting event! When I'm not studying, you'll find me planning my next trip — I love exploring new cultures and cities around the world.

Thankfulness to CFA Houston: I am truly honored to be selected as this year's Rice University recipient. As someone committed to pursuing the CFA designation and building a long-term career in finance, this scholarship is more than financial support — it is a meaningful endorsement from a community of professionals I deeply respect. I look forward to engaging with CFA Houston's events and network throughout the year.

Chih-Jung Ting

What I do Now: Full-Time MSF & MBA Candidate of 2027 at the University of St. Thomas, Houston.

Future Plans: My post-Master's goal is to engage with a non-profit organization, such as FINCA, Kiva, Operation Hope, or Junior Achievement. I aim to lift individuals out of poverty by focusing on two things:

1.       Elevating financial literacy for the youth who are from low-income families.

Knowledge is power. I believe the key to lifting people out of poverty starts with helping young people develop practical money habits early. When they learn to manage money wisely at a young age, it can open doors to new opportunities and brighter futures.

2.       Building a microfinance & Lending platform for those who are unbanked.

Whether individuals or poor entrepreneurs, they face the same funding issue due to a lower credit score or a lack of collateral. By coordinating community-based banks or offering microloans through crowdfunding, both approaches can help people build sustainable livelihoods and enable small businesses to access affordable credit. 

Fun Facts: I am an extrovert and a sports lover. Playing tennis every other day keeps me vibrant and strengthens my muscles. I also listen to classical music on the radio to relieve stress.

Thankfulness to CFA Houston: From the bottom of my heart, I deeply appreciate the CFA of Houston awarding me this scholarship. It not only eases my financial burden but also provides a valuable opportunity to build a solid foundation in finance and to connect with high-stakes professionals through the CFA Society. I am genuinely honored and deeply thankful for your support on my journey and for helping shape the future of finance.

Zachary Rodgers

What I do Now: Texas A&M University, Masters in Quantitative Finance

Future Plans: After graduation, I want to work in the energy commodities industry at a trade house, bank, or oil major. I want to build up the knowledge to eventually become a trader, and I want to stay in Texas where I was born and raised.

Fun Facts: Me and siblings went to Texas A&M despite neither of my parents attending.
 
Thankful for CFA Houston: I am deeply honored and sincerely grateful to CFA Houston for awarding me this scholarship. Coming from a family with limited connections to the finance industry, I have quickly learned the importance of hard work, perseverance, and building a strong network. This scholarship not only eases the financial burden of my education, but also reminds me that my dedication and goals are seen and supported. I am thankful for CFA Houston’s investment in my future, and I hope to one day use the opportunities I have been given to open doors for others.

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 four deserving students: one each from Rice University, The University of Houston, Texas A&M University and the University of St. Thomas. Each Spring, the CFA Houston Scholarship Committee accepts applications from each of the four 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.

2026-2027 CFA Society of Houston Scholarship Co-Chairs:
Carl Albrecht, CFA  at [email protected]
Andrew Yuwen, 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