Investments & Wealth Foundation Establishes $40,000 Jim & Sandi Dobbs Emerging Leaders Scholarship
The four-year commitment will expand access to advanced professional certifications for emerging professionals from underrepresented backgrounds
DENVER, CO / ACCESS Newswire / September 16, 2026 / The Investments & Wealth Foundation today announced the establishment of the Jim & Sandi Dobbs Emerging Leaders Scholarship, a four-year, $40,000 commitment designed to help emerging financial professionals from underrepresented and economically disadvantaged backgrounds pursue advanced professional certifications.
Funded by James E. and Sandra W. Dobbs, the scholarship will provide two $5,000 awards annually through June 2030. Over the four-year term, the program is expected to support eight Black, Indigenous, and other professionals of color under the age of 40 who demonstrate financial need, professional ambition, and a commitment to advancing within the financial advice profession. Its announcement during Hispanic Heritage Month reflects the Foundation’s broader commitment to expanding professional development pathways for talented individuals whose perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences remain underrepresented within financial services.
Recipients may apply their scholarship toward advanced professional certifications administered and granted by Investments & Wealth Institute (“the Institute”): the Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®) certification or Certified Private Wealth Advisor® (CPWA®) certification.
“Sandi and I are pleased to create this scholarship to support the next generation of financial professionals, especially those who haven’t had the easiest path,” said Jim Dobbs. “We believe continuing education – exemplified by certifications like the CPWA® and CIMA® – is essential to serving clients effectively, and we hope our contribution can provide a little help along the way.”
Advanced certifications can provide professionals with specialized knowledge, greater confidence, and a credible means of demonstrating their commitment to technical excellence and ethical client service. By reducing the cost of certification, the scholarship is designed to support both individual economic mobility and the development of a more representative, sustainable financial advice workforce.
“Jim and Sandi Dobbs have made a meaningful investment in the profession’s emerging talent,” said Sean Walters, Executive Director of the Investments & Wealth Foundation. “This scholarship creates access to advanced credentials that can strengthen a professional’s capabilities, career trajectory, and capacity to serve increasingly diverse communities. We wanted to announce it during Hispanic Heritage Month because it’s important to ensure opportunity and professional excellence are extended fairly across the full breadth of our industry.”
