2028 Fintech Academy - Scholar Program - Chicago - Greenwood Project

Description

Greenwood Project Fintech Academy Program Scholar

At Greenwood Project, we are dedicated to breaking down barriers and empowering Black and Latino undergraduate students to thrive in the financial services industry. Our mission is to provide social, academic, and aspirational capital to our scholars, ensuring talented individuals have the opportunity to shape the future of finance.

The Fintech Academy prepares scholars for careers at the intersection of finance and technology, including fintech innovation, operations, risk management, trading technology, and quantitative roles. Through our comprehensive 10-month program (July May 2027), you'll develop the technical capabilities, analytical frameworks, and problem-solving skills needed to build the future infrastructure of financial services.

We are currently recruiting 100 scholars for our 2028 cohort. You can apply if you are a freshman graduating in 2029. Upon acceptance, you will complete a comprehensive training program from July 2026 through May 2027. This program is designed to train you as a sophomore and prepare you for a junior year internship in Summer 2028. You'll gain invaluable insights into fintech, operations, risk management, and trading, and prepare for a potential 10-week summer internship placement with our esteemed partner firms. Please note: Internship placements are not guaranteed.

What You'll Do:

• Complete assigned technical projects, risk analysis exercises, and operational simulations to demonstrate proficiency in fintech and operations concepts within program deadlines
• Engage in guided training sessions covering fintech platforms, operations infrastructure, risk frameworks, trading systems, data analytics, and technology in finance
• Participate in networking events, mentorship programs, and professional development opportunities to expand your network within fintech, operations, and risk management communities
• Embrace a culture of innovation, analytical rigor, and continuous learning, positioning yourself as a future leader in the technology-enabled financial services industry

What We're Looking For - Ideal Degree Backgrounds

Computer Science, Engineering (all disciplines), Mathematics, Statistics/Data Science, Finance with a technical focus, Operations Management, Management Information Systems, Risk Management, Political Science, Economics with quantitative emphasis

Technical Skills (or strong willingness to develop)

• Programming fundamentals (Python, SQL, or similar languages)
• Data analysis and visualization
• Understanding of financial systems and technology infrastructure
• Analytical frameworks for risk assessment and operational efficiency
• Problem-solving with structured methodologies
• Familiarity with trading systems, blockchain, or financial technology platforms (preferred but not required)
• Excel and data manipulation

Soft Skills & Characteristics Greenwood Project selects students who display Grit, Resourcefulness, and Intellectual Curiosity, along with:

• Strong analytical and logical reasoning abilities
• Systematic problem-solving approach
• Attention to detail and commitment to precision
• Ability to translate technical concepts for non-technical audiences
• Collaborative mindset for cross-functional teamwork
• Adaptability in rapidly evolving technological environments
• Process-oriented thinking with a continuous improvement mindset

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

The strongest candidates combine technical aptitude with genuine curiosity about how technology is transforming the financial services industry. You should be a structured problem-solver who enjoys diving into systems, processes, and data to identify areas for improvement. Successful scholars demonstrate the persistence to debug complex issues, the creativity to design innovative solutions, and the communication skills to collaborate across technical and business teams. You don't need to be a coding expertwe're looking for analytical thinkers who are excited to build technical skills and apply them to real financial services challenges, whether in operations efficiency, risk management, trading technology, or fintech innovation.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Currently enrolled as a freshman (Class of 2029) at an accredited four-year institution
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• Unofficial transcripts from first semester of college AND high school transcripts must be provided at application
• Commitment to excellence, integrity, character, and collaboration

What You'll Gain

• Career Advancement: Gain a competitive edge in the fintech and financial technology job market and establish yourself as a top candidate for full-time positions within leading financial institutions' technology, operations, risk, and innovation teams, as well as fintech startups and trading firms.
• Technical Foundation: Develop the analytical and technical capabilities that power modern financial services, from risk management frameworks to trading systems to operational infrastructure.
• Collaborative Environment: Work alongside talented peers who share your passion for innovation and technology, collaborating to drive meaningful change in the industry.
• Self-Investment: Take control of your career trajectory and invest in your future success with the support and guidance of Greenwood Project.
• Growth Opportunities: Access mentorship through one-on-one coaching, networking with fintech innovators, operations leaders, and risk management professionals, and professional development resources to accelerate your growth and unlock new opportunities at the intersection of finance and technology.

About Greenwood Project

Greenwood Project is a non-profit organization that envisions a finance industry without barriers to entry or advancement. The organization is on a mission to introduce Black and Latino college students to careers in finance through rigorous training and internships. With over 70 percent of Greenwood Project scholars entering the field, the organization seeks industry partners to open their doors for internships.

Our Hiring Process

Stage 1: Applied

Stage 2: Hired