Student Spotlight: CLA Foundation Opportunity Scholars (Part 3)

CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP), one of the leading professional service firms in the United States, exists to create opportunities for its clients, its people, and its communities through industry-focused wealth advisory, digital, audit, tax, consulting, and outsourcing services. The CLA Foundation is a private 501(c)(3) organization, founded in 2015 and funded solely by donations from CLA family members. Since its inception, the CLA Foundation has granted more than $13 million to advance career opportunities in communities across the nation.

Scholarship America was thrilled to partner with CLA Foundation in 2025 to administer the CLA Foundation Opportunity Scholarship—75 $15,000 scholarships for America’s future leaders in finance, accounting, business and other emerging areas of study in professional services. Over the coming weeks, we’ll spotlight several of those scholarship recipients, who are working toward amazing futures as undergraduate and graduate students. You can meet the first group of undergraduate students here, and learn how the scholarship is helping two graduate students pursue their next stages of education here.

For our final entry in this series, we’re excited to introduce two classmates at Grand Canyon University, both of whom are following their dreams thanks to support from the CLA Foundation Opportunity Scholarship.

CLA Opportunity Scholar: Danielle Sharp, Grand Canyon University

Danielle Sharp is a business major, graduating in 2026 from Grand Canyon University. We spoke with Danielle about the role of mentorship in her life, her educational journey, and how the scholarship will help her and her family as she completes her degree and sets out on her career.

Scholarship America: What inspired you to select your course of study?

Danielle Sharp: I was inspired to pursue a degree in business by a mentor I had while working at AutoZone. Their support and guidance helped me recognize my potential and encouraged me to grow both personally and professionally. As a store manager, I had the opportunity to review P&L reports and gain firsthand experience with the financial side of operations. That exposure sparked a deeper interest in business and motivated me to formalize my knowledge through education. I’m driven not only to succeed myself but also to help others grow and reach their potential just as my mentor did for me.

SA: How did you learn about the CLA Foundation Opportunity Scholarship, and why did you decide to apply?

Danielle: I discovered the CLA Foundation Opportunity Scholarship while searching online for educational support opportunities. CLA has always stood out to me because their office is located in my hometown of Yakima, Washington, and I’ve long been curious and inspired by the work they do. When I saw the scholarship opportunity, I felt it aligned perfectly with my goals and values, so I decided to apply.

SA: What does the CLA Foundation Opportunity Scholarship mean for you, and how will it help you in your educational journey?

Danielle: Receiving the CLA Foundation Opportunity Scholarship not only provides financial support but also affirms my commitment to pursuing a degree in business. As a single mother of three, balancing work, home life, and school has required a great deal of determination and sacrifice. Financial instability has been a constant hurdle. With this scholarship, I’ll be able to focus more on my coursework and dedicate additional time to deepening my understanding through online resources and self-paced learning. It also gives me the flexibility to engage more fully in virtual discussions and professional development opportunities that will support my long-term goals.

SA: What is your dream for your future, upon graduation and beyond? How does the CLA Foundation Opportunity Scholarship help you pursue those dreams?

Danielle: My dream is to build a meaningful career in business where I can grow into a leadership role and help others succeed along the way. I want to use the skills I’ve gained through education and experience to mentor others, especially those who may not see their full potential yet, just as my mentor did for me. The CLA Foundation Opportunity Scholarship is more than financial support—it’s a vote of confidence in my journey and my future. I’m committed to using this opportunity not only to better my life but to inspire my children and others who may be facing similar challenges.

SA: If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Danielle: Start school earlier and believe in yourself. I waited longer than I wish I had to begin my educational journey, and looking back, I realize how valuable that time could have been. I’d tell myself not to be afraid to take that first step and to ask for help when needed. Growth comes from being open to learning and trusting that you’re capable of more than you think.

CLA Opportunity Scholar: Isaiah Cunningham, Grand Canyon University

Isaiah Cunningham, a senior at Grand Canyon University, is a native of Santa Rosa, California studying accounting, with an emphasis in public accounting. We caught up with Isaiah and learned about his passion for mathematics, a professor who encouraged him to apply, and the advice he’d go back in time to give himself.

SA: What inspired you to select your course of study?

Isaiah Cunningham: All my life, I have loved math and numbers, and I wanted to combine this love I have with my desire to help others. I initially pursued Business Analytics because of this, but after consulting with wise people in my life and thinking about it myself, I went on the road of Accounting and have not turned back. Accounting helps me use my skills and love for math, data analytics, and software tools to help individuals, families, and businesses with their finances.

SA: How did you learn about the CLA Foundation Opportunity Scholarship, and why did you decide to apply?

Isaiah: The Dean of Accounting and Grand Canyon University—who is also one of my favorite professors—suggested this scholarship to me. Considering how knowledgeable and thoughtful she was, and seeing that this could be a huge financial weight off my shoulders as well as a means to begin building professional relationships in my industry, I applied. Thankfully, the people at CliftonLarsonAllen and Scholarship America enabled me to receive this scholarship and help aid me in my senior year of my bachelor’s degree.

SA: What does the CLA Foundation Opportunity Scholarship mean for you, and how will it help you in your educational journey?

Isaiah: It shows me that hard work truly does pay off. This scholarship means I can go about my education with one less thing to think about that can distract me. These funds give me more financial flexibility and time to pursue other passions of mine, including sports, clubs, and outdoor activities to complement my work.

SA: What is your dream for your future, upon graduation and beyond? How does the CLA Foundation Opportunity Scholarship help you pursue those dreams?

Isaiah: My dream is to work in the accounting and finance industry, so that people can utilize my help and guidance to live lives that aren’t crippled by the thought of dealing with or managing finances. I want to become a CPA and work for a business or industry and then work on becoming a financial advisor or planner to help at a more intimate level. The CLA Foundation Opportunity Scholarship allows me to worry less about my financial situation so that I can focus more on how I can help others improve theirs.

SA: If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Isaiah: Good things take time, so be patient, knowing that there is no need to worry. Moving away from all of my friends and family and out of the state that I had lived in my entire life for my college education was a big obstacle to me at first. Once I got to college and started my degree, it opened so many doors for me to embrace this challenge and find these good things, like close friends, the ability to live on my own, and growing a stronger relationship in my faith with God.

Our thanks to the CLA Foundation for sponsoring this content.