Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program: Honoring Dedication to Anti-Fraud and White-Collar Crime Prevention

The Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship, established in 1992, is a prestigious award designed to support students committed to fraud-related studies and careers in anti-fraud or white-collar crime prevention. Renamed in 1998 in memory of Larry Jennings and Tracy Ritchie, two ACFE members who tragically lost their lives in the 1997 Karachi terrorist attacks, the scholarship honors their legacy of dedication to detecting and preventing fraud.

Scholarship Overview:

The Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship is open to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing careers in fraud examination and related fields. Scholarships are awarded to students who meet the eligibility criteria, which include a demonstrated interest in fraud prevention and anti-fraud careers.

Key Benefits

Recipients of the scholarship will receive financial assistance to support their education. The scholarship offers four different award amounts:

• $10,000

• $7,500

• $5,000

• $2,000

The awards are directly paid to the recipient’s university to assist with tuition and educational expenses. Additionally, winners receive a year-long membership with the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), providing valuable networking and educational resources.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the scholarship, students must meet the following conditions:

• Academic Requirements: Applicants must be majoring or minoring in fields such as accounting, business administration, finance, or criminal justice, with a focus on fraud prevention.

• Undergraduate Students: Must be in their second half of sophomore year, or a junior or senior, and enrolled in at least 9 semester hours per term.

• Graduate Students: Must be enrolled in at least 6 semester hours per term.

• Institution Requirements: Must be enrolled in an accredited, four-year institution for the 2025-2026 academic year.

Additionally, applicants must submit:

• A completed application form.

• Official transcripts from their current institution.

• Two letters of recommendation (one must come from a Certified Fraud Examiner or someone who can speak to the student’s professional capabilities).

Application Process

The application period for the 2025-2026 academic year is open from September 9, 2024, with a deadline of February 7, 2025. Recipients will be announced on April 18, 2025, and awards will be distributed by May 1, 2025.

Selection Criteria

Applications are reviewed based on:

• Fraud-related interests and career aspirations.

• Academic achievement, as demonstrated by transcripts.

• Quality of letters of recommendation.

Important Information

• The scholarship is not available to past recipients, high school students, community college students, or those graduating in 2025.

• The ACFE Foundation adheres to a non-discrimination policy, ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants.

Final Thought

The Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship is not just a financial opportunity; it’s a tribute to two dedicated individuals in the anti-fraud community. By awarding this scholarship, the ACFE Foundation hopes to inspire future leaders to follow in the footsteps of Larry Jennings and Tracy Ritchie, advancing the fight against fraud and white-collar crime.