The Ritchie-Jennings Memorial scholarship program was established in 1992 to provide opportunities for students who had demonstrated achievement in fraud-related studies. In 1998, the program was renamed the Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship in honor of ACFE members Larry Jennings, CFE, and Tracy Ritchie, CFE. Both men were among five people fatally wounded during terrorist attacks in Karachi, Pakistan, on November 14, 1997.
The scholarship provides an opportunity for students to advance their education and anti-fraud career paths. Additionally, it supports their anti-fraud interests by providing a full year of ACFE membership.
Awards
Award amounts are $10,000, $7,500, $5,000 and $2,000 and are paid directly to the recipient’s university or college.
Eligibility
Eligible students must submit a completed scholarship application, official transcripts, and two letters of recommendation from either a professor or someone who knows them on a professional level. Please note that it is recommended at least one letter be from a CFE.
Interested students must demonstrate a desire to pursue a career in fraud examination or similar anti-fraud profession and:
- Have a declared major or minor in accounting, business administration, finance, criminal justice or similar fraud-related discipline.
- Be currently enrolled full-time at an accredited, four-year college or university and be enrolled through the 2024-2025 academic year.
- Undergraduates must be enrolled in 9 semester hours (or equivalent) per term and must be a junior, senior, or at least in the second half of their sophomore year when applying.
- Graduates must be enrolled in 6 semester hours (or equivalent) per term.
- College or university students graduating in 2024 (must be enrolled through 2025) are not eligible.
- ACFE chapter directors or officers are not eligible.
Application process
The scholarship application period for the 2023-2024 academic year is closed. Applications for the 2024-2025 academic year will open in September and a link to them will become available on the website.
The ACFE Foundation does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, age, gender, disability or sexual orientation in any of its programs or activities.
Scholarships are awarded annually based on:
- A completed application.
2. Fraud-related interests, activities, goals, and desired career path.
3. Overall academic achievement demonstrated by transcripts.
4. Recommendation forms.
Application deadline
The next application period will open on September 18th for the 2024-2025 academic year.
For more details visit here.
