Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program

The ACFE Foundation annually awards the Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship to undergraduate and graduate students interested in a career in fraud detection and deterrence.

 

The Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program was established in 2002 in memory of ACFE members Terry Ritchie and Larry Jennings, who were killed in the September 11, 2001, World Trade Center attack.

 

Since its inception, the Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program has given out more than $1.3 million in scholarships to deserving students all over the world.

 

The ACFE Foundation’s donors’ generous support makes the Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program possible. 

 

Individuals, businesses, and organizations that share our commitment to the detection and deterrence of fraud are among those who contribute to the Foundation.

 

About the Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program

 

In memory of Tracy Ritchie, CFE, and Larry Jennings, CFE, who both died in a terrorist attack in Pakistan on November 12, 1997, the Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program was established. 

 

The ACFE Foundation promotes careers in fraud examination among students through this scholarship program, which also provides funding for studies on fraud detection and deterrence. 

 

Over 300 students have received grants totaling close to $500,000 so far to help them further their education.

 

There will be one $10,000 scholarship, two $5,000 scholarships, four $2,500 scholarships, and 23 $1,000 scholarships awarded. All scholarship awards include a oneyear membership in the ACFE Student Associate Program.

 

This award is open to international and U.S. students who are currently enrolled full-time in undergraduate or graduate programs at four-year colleges or universities in North America.

 

Students must have declared a major or minor in accounting, business administration, finance, or criminal justice, as well as a desire to work in fraud examination or a related anti-fraud profession.

 

Requirements

 

The following are the application requirements for the Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program:

 

• Essay 
• Letter of Recommendation 
• Application Form 
• Official Transcript

 

Eligibility

 

Scholarships are available for the academic year 2023-2024 during the current application period. 

 

Students who are interested in pursuing a career in fraud examination or a similar anti-fraud profession must:

 

• Possess a declared major or minor in accounting, business administration, finance, criminal justice, or another discipline related to fraud.
• Be currently enrolled full-time at an accredited four-year college or university for the academic year 2023-2024.
• When applying, undergraduates must be enrolled in at least 9 semester hours (or equivalent) per term and be a junior, senior, or in the second half of their sophomore year.
• Graduate students must enroll in 6 semester hours (or the equivalent) per term.

 

Non-eligibility

 

• Previous scholarship recipients.
• Students in high school, junior college, or community college.
• Students who are not in the second half of their sophomore year.
• Students graduating from college or university in 2023 (must be enrolled through 2024).
• Directors or officers of an ACFE chapter.

 

Worth of Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship

Scholarships are awarded in the amounts of $10,000, $5,000, $2,500, and $1,000. Scholarships are given in US dollars and include a one-year membership in the ACFE Student Associate Program. 

 

The awards will be made directly to the awardee’s university. Please keep in mind that awards are not renewable. Previous award recipients are not eligible to reapply. This scholarship is worth a total of $29,000.

 

Deadline for the Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship

 

The deadline for this scholarship is February 1, 2023.

How to Apply

Visit https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/74675-Acfe-Foundation  to complete the online Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Application and Questionnaire.

 

• Transcripts of all college or university courses you’ve taken should be provided (unofficial transcripts are acceptable).
• Three letters of recommendation are required. 
• The submission of at least one letter from a Certified Fraud Examiner is preferred (CFE)

 

Additional Information: Scholarships are given out each year based on the following criteria: the completeness of the application; fraud-related hobbies, pursuits, and aspirations; overall academic excellence as shown by transcripts; and letters of recommendation.

 

In any of its programs or activities, the ACFE Foundation does not discriminate on the grounds of race, religion, color, national origin, age, gender, disability, or sexual orientation.

 

TIPS to Ace the Scholarship

 

Applying for the Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship is a great way to get money for college while also launching your career in fraud investigation. 

 

Here are some pointers to help you make the most of your application and improve your chances of being chosen as a recipient.

 

• Begin Early: Don’t put off starting your application until the last minute. Allow enough time to go over the guidelines, write an effective essay, and double-check your documents.
• Make it specific: When responding to the essay questions, make sure to give specific examples and highlight your unique experiences. The selection committee will want to learn about you, so make your responses memorable.
• Showcase Your Knowledge: Because this scholarship is for students interested in fraud investigation, make sure you demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for this field. Use language that demonstrates your understanding of current industry trends and challenges.
• Get Creative: While it’s important to strictly adhere to the instructions, don’t be afraid to inject some of your own personality into the application. Include any additional documents that demonstrate your interest in and expertise in fraud investigation, such as awards or certifications.
• Proofread your responses before submitting them to ensure that there are no errors or typos.
• Stay organized: Maintain all of your documents and research in one place so that you can easily access them when needed.
• Analyze the application thoroughly: Make sure you understand the scholarship criteria and what supporting documentation is required.
• Understand the goals: Familiarize yourself with the program’s objectives so that you can provide the best answers possible. 
• Get Feedback: Before submitting your application, have it reviewed by someone else. Request that they check your essay and other documents for spelling and grammatical errors, as well as provide feedback on the overall quality.

 

By following these suggestions, you can improve your chances of receiving the Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship. Best wishes!

 

Conclusion

 

The Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program provides an excellent opportunity for students to gain financial support while furthering their education in accounting, business administration, finance, or criminal justice, as well as a desire to work in fraud examination or a related anti-fraud profession.

 

The application deadline is quickly approaching, so those interested should apply now in order to be considered.

 

There is no better time to apply for the Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship than now, with a generous scholarship amount, competitive selection criteria, and an easy-to-use online application process. Best wishes!

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