The application period for the academic year 2023-2024 for Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program is now open. The fully-funded Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship program allows students to advance their education and anti-fraud career paths.
Furthermore, it promotes their anti-fraud objectives by providing a full year of ACFE membership. The awards range in value from $10,000 to $5,000, $2,500 to $1,000, and are paid directly to the recipient’s university or college.
Congratulations to the recipients of the Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship for 2022-2023.
History of Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship (Updated)
The scholarship program was founded in 1992 to provide opportunities for students who had demonstrated success in fraud-related studies. In honor of ACFE members Larry Jennings, CFE, and Tracy Ritchie, CFE, the program was renamed the Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship in 1998.
Unfortunately, on November 14, 1997, both men were among five people killed in terrorist attacks in Karachi, Pakistan.
“Both men exemplified the true spirit of our organization with their devotion to detecting, investigating, and deterring fraud and white-collar crime,” said Dr. Joseph T. Wells, CFE, CPA, Chairman, and founder of the ACFE.

Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Overview
- The Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program honors Larry Jennings, CFE, CPA, 49, and Tracy Ritchie, CFE, CPA, 41, both of Houston, Texas.
- They were among five people killed when terrorists opened fire on their vehicle on November 14, 1997, in Karachi, Pakistan.
- Students can use the scholarship to further their education and careers in anti-fraud.
Course, University, and Country Applicable
This scholarship is applicable for bachelor’s Degrees, and Master’s Degree
The Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship program is applicable to all universities in USA, Canada, Australia, UK, Singapore +239 more countries.
- This scholarship is applicable to the following fields:
- Criminal Justice
- Accounting Majors
- Business Administration
- Finance
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Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- Eligible students must submit a completed scholarship application, official transcript(s), and
- two letters of recommendation from a professor, college advisor, or the university registrar.
- Applicants must be currently enrolled in an accredited four-year college or university for the academic year 2022-2023.
- When applying, undergraduate students must be enrolled in at least 9 semester hours (or equivalent) per term and be in the second half of their sophomore year.
- These scholarships are awarded annually on the basis of:
- Completed scholarship application
- Two Recommendation Forms
- Fraud-related interests, activities, goals, and desired career path
- Overall academic achievement demonstrated by the official transcripts
Eligibility Requirements

The current application period is for scholarships for the academic year 2023-2024. Interested students must demonstrate a desire to work in fraud examination or a related anti-fraud profession, as well as:
- Possess a declared major or minor in accounting, business administration, finance, criminal justice, or another discipline related to fraud.
- Be currently enrolled full-time at an accredited four-year college or university for the academic year 2023-2024.
- When applying, undergraduates must be enrolled in at least 9 semester hours (or equivalent) per term and be a junior, senior, or in the second half of their sophomore year.
- Graduate students must enroll in 6 semester hours (or the equivalent) per term.
Non-eligible Persons for Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship
The following individuals are not eligible to apply:
- Past scholarship award recipients.
- High school, junior college, or community college students.
- Undergraduates not in the second half of their sophomore year.
- College or university students graduating in 2023 (must be enrolled through 2024).
- ACFE chapter directors or officers.
Scholarship Amount/Value
- Max scholarship per student: USD 10,000, for tuition and fees
- Scholarship amount will be given: One Time
Number of Awards
Number of scholarships to be awarded: Varies
How to Apply for Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship
The application period for the academic year 2023-2024 is now open. Applicants who meet the eligibility requirements can apply through the scholarship application portal.
To APPLY, qualified applicants must:
- Complete the Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship application
- Upload Official Transcript(s) showing all completed college or university courses
- Have two recommenders submit a letter on their behalf
During the application process, you will provide information on your two recommenders. These individuals will be sent a link to upload their individual recommendation forms on your behalf.
- We strongly advise you to seek recommendations from people who are familiar with your fraud-related education, activities, interests, goals, and career path, such as an employer or professor.
- At least one recommendation should come from a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE).
- Students are encouraged to meet with a Local ACFE Chapter to become acquainted with a CFE.
Only applications that are complete and received by the deadline date will be considered. The schedule for 2023-2024 is as follows:
- Application Deadline – February 6, 2023
- Recipients Announced – April 20, 2023
- Awards Distributed – May 2, 2023
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Ritchie Jennings Memorial Scholarship FAQs
Below are some of the frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship program:
Q1. Can I open my sealed official transcripts?
Yes. Transcripts must be uploaded to the application portal. Unofficial transcripts, acceptance letters, or class schedules will not be accepted.
Q2. What qualifies as an official transcript?
Official transcripts will contain the registrar’s signature and/or bear the embossed, raised, or official college seal. Colleges may provide official transcripts in a digital or printed format. ACFE will not accept mailed copies.
Q3. I have applied before. Can I apply again?
If you still qualify and were not previously awarded, you can apply. However, a new scholarship application must be completed.
Q4. When are scholarship awards disbursed?
Scholarship awards are mailed out at the beginning of May and sent directly to the institution.
Q5. What happens if I am awarded a scholarship but not enrolled at the time of disbursement?
The scholarship award will be held for 6 months, awaiting enrollment. An award is forfeited if a student is not enrolled.
Q6. Is the scholarship paid out in one payment or divided among semesters?
The award is paid out in one payment to the institution and can be applied towards tuition, books, etc. for the Summer, Fall, or Spring semesters.
Q7. A recommender has not completed their recommendation form and the deadline is
approaching. What should I do?
We recommend applicants reach out to the recommender in person reminding them of the deadline. Ask the recommender to check their junk or spam folders for the email that requests they complete the recommendation form. Unfortunately, a missing letter will result in an incomplete application.
Q8. Can a family member complete a recommendation on a student’s behalf?
No. Recommendation forms must be completed by an individual who knows the applicant in a professional or educational capacity.
Q9. If I am currently enrolled but transferring to another university, can I still apply?
Yes. As long as you are enrolled full-time at the time of application and through the subsequent academic year.
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