The Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation is accepting applications for its scholarship program for the 2026-2027 academic year. Up to 10 scholarships of $5,000 each will be awarded to full-time undergraduate or full-time graduate students interested in pursuing a career in the $1.3 trillion equipment finance industry. With multiple potential career pathways across the industry, students from various fields of study are encouraged to apply.
Launched with three initial awards in 2020, the scholarship program is one of the Foundation’s Campus to Career student talent development programs, and now awards 10 scholarships annually. To date, 36 students have received scholarships. The program also aligns with the mission of the Foundation’s affiliate organization, the Equipment Leasing & Finance Association (ELFA), to attract, train and retain the next generation of equipment finance industry talent.
“The Foundation scholarship program is a key part of our commitment to developing and supporting the next generation workforce of equipment finance,” said Miles Herman, President and CEO of LEAF Commercial Capital, Inc. and Chair of the Foundation Board of Trustees. “We hope these scholarships not only provide meaningful financial support, but also raise awareness among student talent of the many opportunities within our industry.”
To be eligible for consideration for a scholarship in 2026, candidates must submit their applications online by April 17, 2026, and must:
- Be a full-time undergraduate student, or full-time graduate student, as defined by the accredited educational institution they are attending
- Have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0.
- Students with recommendations from professionals in the equipment finance industry will be given preference.
To learn more or to apply for a scholarship, visit https://www.leasefoundation.org/academic-programs/home/scholarship-program/.