Personal Finance Education Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Meyer Wilson
Overview
Meyer Wilson Werning is dedicated to combating cryptocurrency fraud through legal action and public education. The firm pursues civil remedies for victims, provides continuing legal education for professionals, and engages in outreach to help the public recognize and avoid financial scams. This scholarship is part of the firm's broader effort to raise awareness and encourage practical solutions to investment fraud.
Description: The scholarship supports student engagement with cryptocurrency fraud prevention and public education initiatives led by Meyer Wilson Werning.
History of the Award: The scholarship was established as an extension of the firm's educational and advocacy activities to promote awareness of cryptocurrency-related scams.
- Supports education and public awareness about cryptocurrency fraud.
- Aligned with the firm’s legal and CLE outreach efforts.
- Intended to encourage practical, community-focused solutions.
Why Cryptocurrency Fraud Awareness Matters
Cryptocurrency fraud commonly relies on online manipulation, phishing, and impersonation of legitimate platforms and advisors. These schemes frequently target vulnerable groups such as retirees, students, and families, and may involve impersonation of both major exchanges and legal firms. Raising awareness helps reduce victimization by improving recognition of red flags and encouraging protective behaviors within communities.
Description: Increasing public knowledge and family conversations about scams reduces the likelihood of successful fraud attempts and supports early reporting.
- Scams often use impersonation and sophisticated online tactics.
- Awareness among families and communities is a key preventive measure.
- Students can play an active role in educating relatives and peers.
Scholarship Eligibility and Requirements
Applicants must meet clear academic and residency criteria to be considered eligible. The program requires enrollment in or admission to an accredited U.S. college, university, or graduate program, and a minimum academic standard. Candidates must also satisfy age and residency requirements described below.
Eligibility: Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, be enrolled in or admitted to an accredited U.S. institution, be a U.S. resident or authorized to study in the United States, and be at least 18 years old at the time of enrollment.
- Minimum GPA: 3.0 (unofficial transcripts accepted).
- Enrollment or admission to an accredited U.S. institution required.
- Applicants must meet U.S. residency/authorization and age requirements.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted free of charge via the scholarship form on the firm’s website. Required materials include personal and contact information, proof of enrollment or acceptance (unofficial transcripts accepted), and a PDF of the essay that meets file-size limits. Applicants must agree to the scholarship Terms and Conditions at the time of submission.
Application Timeline: Applications must be submitted by the mid-September deadline; the selection committee reviews eligible submissions after the deadline and notifies the recipient by email.
Award Value: The scholarship award is $2,500 and will be sent directly to the recipient’s institution.
- Apply online via the scholarship form; no application fee.
- Provide proof of enrollment and an essay PDF (maximum file size noted).
- Winner notified by email; award paid to the chosen institution.
Essay Topic and Guidelines
Applicants must submit an original essay addressing actions to slow or stop cryptocurrency investment fraud and the applicant’s role in protecting families and communities. Essays should be 500–1,000 words with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion, and must include a bibliography of sources. The submission must not contain sensitive personal information about victims, and essays must follow the required header and file-naming conventions.
Essay Topic: What actions should be taken to slow down or stop cryptocurrency investment fraud, and what role can you play in protecting your families and communities?
Essay Guidelines: Essays must include a header with student and institution details, propose at least three actionable measures (involving law enforcement, financial institutions, technology platforms, policymakers, or education), identify at least one action the applicant can take, explain implementation and effectiveness, and include a bibliography.
- Length: 500–1,000 words; include introduction, body, and conclusion.
- Include required header information and a bibliography of sources.
- Do not include any sensitive personal data or victim identifiers.
Selection Process, Ineligibility, and Notification
The scholarship committee evaluates eligible submissions based on essay quality and adherence to the application guidelines. Selection is merit-based and non-discriminatory; protected characteristics will not influence decisions. Meyer Wilson Werning does not provide individual application status updates and requests that applicants refrain from contacting the firm about application status.
Ineligibility: Employees or children of employees of Meyer Wilson Werning, past scholarship recipients, applicants who refuse an interview if selected, and those who submit duplicate essays for multiple scholarships are ineligible to apply.
Notification: The recipient will be notified by email, and the firm will announce the winner publicly via its blog and other communications; the award payment will be issued to the recipient’s institution.
- Selection is based on essay quality and guideline compliance.
- Certain individuals (employees, past recipients, duplicate submissions) are ineligible.
- Winner notification by email; public announcement follows; award paid to institution.