Student Spotlight: 2026 CLA Foundation Opportunity Scholars (Part 2)

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 $16.5 million to advance career opportunities in communities across the nation.

Scholarship America was thrilled to partner with CLA Foundation beginning in 2025 to administer the CLA Foundation Opportunity Scholarship—$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 for 2026, who are working toward amazing futures as undergraduate and graduate students.  

Today, we’re excited to introduce two scholars focusing on business administration.  

CLA Foundation Opportunity Scholar: David Riley II 

David is pursuing a degree in business administration with a concentration in finance at Morehouse College. He hails from Atlanta, and he spoke with Scholarship America about his long-term goal of using his knowledge to improve the financial footing of HBCUs. 

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

David Riley II: I chose to study Business Administration with a concentration in Finance because I am fascinated by the power of investing to create long-term growth and strengthen organizations. I became especially interested in institutional investing after learning how endowments and foundations use disciplined investment strategies to support education, research, and community impact for generations. 

At Morehouse College, my coursework and professional experiences have reinforced my passion for asset management and investment analysis. My goal is to build a career helping mission-driven institutions steward their resources responsibly while expanding access to financial knowledge and wealth-building opportunities in underserved communities. 

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

DRII: I learned about the CLA Foundation Opportunity Scholarship through Scholarship America while searching for scholarships that support students committed to academic excellence, leadership, and community impact. I decided to apply because the program aligns with my goals of pursuing a career in finance while using my education to create opportunities for others. Beyond the financial support, I was inspired by the CLA Foundation’s investment in students who are committed to making a meaningful difference in their communities and professions. 

SA: What does the CLA Foundation Opportunity Scholarship mean for you? 

DRII: Receiving the CLA Foundation Opportunity Scholarship is both an honor and an investment in my future. The scholarship will allow me to dedicate more time to my academic studies, leadership development, and experiential learning opportunities that prepare me for a career in finance. By reducing the financial burden of college, I can focus more fully on challenging coursework, professional development programs, and campus organizations that strengthen my leadership and analytical skills. I am deeply grateful for the Foundation’s confidence in my potential, and I hope to honor that investment by using my education to make a meaningful impact in my profession and community. 

SA: What is your dream for your future? 

DRII: My dream is to build a career in asset management, helping mission-driven institutions make thoughtful investment decisions that create long-term financial strength and lasting impact. During my internship with Cambridge Associates, I gained firsthand exposure to how endowments and foundations use disciplined investment strategies to sustain their missions for generations. That experience inspired me to pursue institutional investing because I recognize that many HBCUs have historically operated with smaller endowments and fewer financial resources than their peers. I hope one day that my work will help strengthen the financial foundations of HBCUs and other mission-driven organizations so they can expand educational opportunities and continue transforming lives for generations to come. 

The CLA Foundation Opportunity Scholarship brings me one step closer to that goal by allowing me to focus more fully on my education, leadership development, and experiential learning opportunities. It is more than financial support. It is an investment in my potential, and I am committed to honoring that investment by using my education to create lasting value for the institutions and communities I serve. 

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

DRII: If I could give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be to start investing earlier and trust the power of consistency. Studying finance has taught me that even small investments can grow into something extraordinary over time through the power of compound interest. I’ve also learned that the same principle applies to life. Every hour spent learning, every meaningful relationship, and every opportunity to serve others compounds over time. I would remind my younger self to embrace every opportunity with confidence, stay curious, and never underestimate the long-term impact of consistent effort. Success is rarely built overnight. It is the result of making intentional choices each day and using those opportunities to create a positive impact on others. 

CLA Foundation Opportunity Scholar: Xi Yue Sin  

Xi Yue is completing an MBA at Winthrop University. She spoke to Scholarship America about the choice to continue her education and the ways in which the scholarship will allow her to give back. 

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

Xi Yue Sin: I minored in Professional Business for my undergraduate degree. Although I was eager to learn more about the business world, my attention was divided between my major courses and other general education requirements. My college professors inspired me to broaden my education as I approached the end of the school year, so I enrolled in the Master of Business Administration program. 

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

XYS: I learned about the CLA Foundation Opportunity Scholarship through the Scholarship America platform. I decided to apply because this scholarship supports students who seek to shine a light in developing industries. 

SA: What does the CLA Foundation Opportunity Scholarship mean for you? 

XYS: The CLA Foundation Opportunity Scholarship affirmed that my past experiences and hardships were not futile. Instead, every moment was a challenge for growth and self-improvement. Without the stress of financial insecurity, I plan to engage in more non-profit activities and volunteer work within my community. 

SA: What is your dream for your future? 

XYS: My dream is to help others become the best version of themselves. The CLA Foundation Opportunity Scholarship helps me pursue those dreams by showing how an investment in potential is a return for society. 

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

XYS: You have your own pace. Stop timing yourself against others. 

Our thanks to the CLA Foundation for sponsoring this content.