GRF Breaking Barriers Scholarship

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GRF CPAs & Advisors (GRF), a full-service accounting firm headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, is accepting applications for the 2026 GRF Breaking Barriers Scholarship. The scholarship is designed to provide financial assistance to students pursuing an education in accounting and considering a future career in public accounting.

For several years, GRF has offered scholarship assistance to sophomore, junior, and senior students enrolled in accredited accounting programs. Through the Breaking Barriers Scholarship, GRF aims to encourage students from all walks of life to pursue careers in accounting and help provide additional resources to support their educational goals.

This year, eight recipient will receive a $1,500 award for the Spring 2027 semester, payable directly to the recipient.

Financial need is not a requirement.

Learn more about the scholarship, eligibility requirements, award details, and eligible expenses below.

Applications will be accepted until 5:00 PM EDT on October 15, 2026.

Apply Now

Frequently Asked Questions

The $1,500 award must be used for expenses related to the cost of attendance to obtain a degree. Eligible expenses may include:

Books and supplies
Transportation
Loan fees
Computer purchases
Miscellaneous educational expenses
Childcare or other dependent-care expenses
Costs related to a disability
Reasonable costs for eligible study-abroad programs

To apply for the GRF Breaking Barriers Scholarship, students must:

Be a first-generation college student.
Be a sophomore, junior, or senior majoring in accounting at a four-year degree program at an accredited, not-for-profit U.S. college or university, whether public or private.
Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Have completed at least 30 semester hours of college coursework, including at least 9 semester hours in accounting, by the end of the Fall 2026 semester.
Be in good academic standing with a minimum cumulative weighted GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Submit a current resume.
Submit a letter of recommendation from a professor or professional reference.
Submit a copy of your transcript verifying current college enrollment and academic standing.

GRF’s Scholarship Selection Committee will consider all qualified applicants who submit a complete application. The recipient will be selected based on academic achievement, leadership, and career aspirations in accounting.

An ideal candidate will demonstrate:

A strong academic record
Demonstrated leadership ability, including through community service, extracurricular activities, or other activities
Exceptional personal success skills, such as emotional maturity, motivation, perseverance, and the ability to overcome challenges

The scholarship recipient will be notified by November 1, 2026.

Completed applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM EDT on October 15, 2026.

Apply Now