Student Spotlight: CLA Foundation Opportunity Scholars (Part 1)

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.

Today, we’re excited to introduce Lauren Onuzulike, a sophomore studying economics and information systems at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro; Tali Simpkins, a sophomore in computer science at Towson University; and Ahunna Ike-Njoku, a college senior hailing from Lagos, Nigeria, pursuing her degree in mathematics and computer science at Fisk University in Nashville.

CLA Opportunity Scholar: Lauren Onuzulike, UNC-Greensboro

Lauren Onuzulike was inspired on her educational path by, as she says, “discovering both the lack of economic/financial literacy and the lack of economic equality in my community.” She is working toward We spoke with Lauren to learn more about her choice of majors, her path to applying for the scholarship, and her dreams for her future.

Scholarship America: What is your dream for your future, upon graduation and beyond?

Lauren: My aspiration is to bring an impact to disadvantaged communities by advocating for accessible resources that will promote economic growth in struggling communities, provide guidance to minority business owners on how to start and sustain their businesses, advocate for economically disadvantaged individuals in the legal realm, and to secure a better future for myself and my family.

In my future, I see myself working in spaces where I will be able to represent those who usually go unseen or unheard. After receiving my bachelor’s degree and potentially my postgraduate degree, my dream is to explore careers in business, social impact, or legal consulting, where I will advocate and support those who seek to create a better future for themselves.

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

Lauren: I learned about the CLA Foundation Opportunity Scholarship through a school organization called NABA, but I initially doubted my ability to even qualify for the scholarship. I came across another link posted by a CLA employee on LinkedIn and decided to give it a shot. I needed a good deal of financial assistance to attend school the upcoming year, and this scholarship provided a great opportunity to cover all related expenses.

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

Lauren: Because of the CLA Foundation Opportunity Scholarship, I will now be able to spend more time in classes and getting more involved on campus. Prior to receiving this scholarship, I was planning on working multiple jobs to cover any school-related expenses. I was worried about how I would be able to manage my time, finances, and academics. I will now be able to divert my full efforts into focusing on school and my future.

I don’t believe there is any word to describe the immense gratitude I feel for receiving this award. Thank you to the CLA Foundation for truly seeing me and supporting me in my educational journey.

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

Lauren: Just do it scared. You may not know what you want right now or where you’ll end up, but just know that any step forward is a step closer to the life that is meant for you.

CLA Opportunity Scholar: Tali Simpkins, Towson University

The CLA Foundation Opportunity Scholarship aims to tear down barriers for future leaders. As the son of a single parent, Tali Simpkins faced an uncertain financial situation; he says, “I’ve seen how hard my parent works to support me, and I want to do my part by finding opportunities that help cover my education. I decided to apply because this scholarship supports students who want to create change, and I’m committed to using my degree to give back and uplift others.”

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

Tali: I chose to study computer science because I want to understand how technology works and use it to solve real problems. Growing up, I didn’t see many people in my community working in tech, and I want to help change that. I believe technology can open doors and make systems like housing, education, and finance more fair and efficient. My goal is to create better opportunities for people in underserved communities.

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

Tali: This scholarship means a lot to me because it allows me to take on fewer part-time jobs and focus more on my classes and internships. I’ve had to balance school with work since high school. With more time, I can build coding projects, apply for tech programs, and volunteer with my nonprofit. It also gives me peace of mind knowing I can afford to keep learning and growing without as much stress.

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

Tali: My dream is to start my career as a software engineer and then go on to study financial engineering so I can become a quantitative researcher. I want to build powerful tools that use data and math to solve real financial problems. At the same time, I plan to invest in real estate and continue growing my nonprofit to mentor students who don’t usually get exposed to careers in tech or finance. The CLA Foundation Opportunity Scholarship helps me stay focused on these goals by reducing the stress of college expenses and allowing me to take advantage of internships, coding projects, and leadership opportunities. Being part of the CLA network also connects me to other motivated people who want to make a difference, which inspires me to keep going.

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

Tali: I would tell my younger self that it’s okay not to have all the answers right away. Keep learning, stay focused, and don’t let fear stop you from trying new things. You’re capable of more than you know, and you’ll grow stronger through every challenge.

CLA Opportunity Scholar: Ahunna Ike-Njoku, Fisk University

Originally from Lagos, Nigeria, Ahunna Ike-Njoku decided to pursue her college education in the U.S., and she is now a senior in mathematics and computer science at Fisk University in Nashville. We spoke with Ahunna about her choice of majors, the difference a scholarship can make, and how she plans to make the world a better place.

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

Ahunna: I’ve always loved math! My passion for this field revolves around the beauty and complexity of numbers, and it continues to challenge me in ways only a few subjects can. Complementing math with computer science as my degree eventually became a no-brainer for me. Both fields overlap on so many levels, and choosing a joint major in them gave me the chance for each to strengthen my confidence in the other.

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

Ahunna: It had become increasingly difficult for my family to keep up with the financial burden my tuition placed on them, so I began to find ways to outsource the much-needed help. I stumbled on the CLA Foundation Opportunity via Scholarship America, and seeing that—beyond the financial help—it also aligned with my academic goals, leadership experience, and commitment to community involvement, I immediately began my application.

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

Ahunna: Receiving the CLA Foundation Opportunity Scholarship has truly been a dream come true. I’m confident that this year will be different from the past three. I will no longer become frantic when tuition deadlines approach. I will no longer be removed from my classes for delayed payments. I will no longer worry about placing added stress on my family. Instead, I will finally have the peace of mind and confidence I need to focus on my studies, pursue my dreams, and build a better future for myself and my family. With the tuition for my final semesters now covered, I plan to invest the time I once spent searching for financial aid into becoming more active in my campus community, especially by participating in service opportunities and helping my school grow its chess club.

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

Ahunna: After completing my degree, I plan to pursue a career at the intersection of technology and social impact. I want to build tools that improve access to education, healthcare, and basic services in underserved communities. Beyond my career, I dream of a future where I impact lives on a much more personal level, from training underprivileged kids to help them stay in school, to building orphanages across countries, giving children an opportunity to thrive in a world that often overlooks their potential. Receiving the CLA Foundation Opportunity Scholarship has made me realize that this is possible. The kindness shown to me in such a defining moment propels me to keep going and give even more. As next steps, I plan to deepen my technical skills, pursue career opportunities that align with my values, and stay committed to opening doors for others just as this scholarship has done for me.

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

Ahunna: Stop worrying! You have spent so much time anxious about what the future might hold and whether you could overcome the challenges that once seemed impossible. The truth is you did. And you will continue to, not just by your own strength but through the support of everyone placed along your journey.

Our thanks to the CLA Foundation for sponsoring this content.