Bridgewater Advisors and CFP Board Center for Financial Planning Announce Education Scholarship for CFP® Certification

The CFP Board Center for Financial Planning, in conjunction with Bridgewater Advisors and the family of Milton Stern, today announced that a new scholarship is available for residents of New York, Connecticut or New Jersey who are seeking to attain CERTIFIED FINANICAL PLANNER™ certification. The Milton Stern Scholars Fund will cover up to $5,000 of the tuition costs of completing a CFP Board Registered Certificate Program for students who demonstrate academic excellence and have a financial need.

The scholarship honors Milton Stern, a founding partner of Bridgewater Advisors who tragically passed away in the summer of 2015. Stern was a strong proponent of the competencies and ethical standards embodied in the CFP® certification.

“Milt was a champion of education, of diversity, and of always following your dreams,” said Leo Marzen, Partner at Bridgewater Advisors. “Milt’s family and colleagues wish to honor his life and continue his legacy of making a difference in people’s lives, and that’s how the Milton Stern Scholars Fund was born.”

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, and awarded two to three times per year. They will be considered regardless of the applicant’s age, race, gender, religion or sexual orientation. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree, and will be evaluated based on academic excellence, highest personal integrity, and financial need. The first awards are expected to be made for the fall 2016 semester.

“The Milton Stern Scholars Fund provides a pathway to CFP® certification for those who might not necessarily get the opportunity. We are very grateful for the initial gift, which we hope will encourage others to support this Fund,” said Marilyn Mohrman-Gillis, Executive Director of the Center for Financial Planning. “As we work to widen the talent gap and pave the way for diversity within the profession, we are pleased to work in conjunction with Bridgewater Advisors in helping more individuals cultivate careers in financial planning.” 

The education requirement for attaining CFP® certification includes completing college or university-level coursework through a program registered with CFP Board, in addition to holding a regionally accredited college or university bachelor’s degree or higher. The coursework requirement must be completed before sitting for the CFP® Certification Examination.

To apply for the Milton Stern Scholarship or for more information, visit centerforfinancialplanning.org/scholarships/.

ABOUT BRIDGEWATER ADVISORS

Bridgewater Advisors Inc. is an independent, private wealth advisory firm dedicated to helping clients achieve their personal and financial goals.  Advisors provide fiduciary-level advice, setting high standards for investing excellence and client service.  Clients include high-net-worth individuals, families, pension plans, endowments and not-for-profit organizations.

CONTACT: Jane Holt Weber, CFP®, Partner, Bridgewater Advisors P: 212-221-5300 E: [email protected]