2028 Investment Academy - Greenwood Project Scholar Program

Application Deadline: 15 June 2026

Department: Talent Acquisition - College Program

Employment Type: Programme

Location: Chicago,IL

Description

About The Greenwood Project Investment Academy: 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 Investment Academy prepares scholars for careers in investment banking, investment management, equity research, private credit, sales and trading, and buy-side finance roles. Through our comprehensive 10-month program (July 2026 - May 2027), you'll develop the analytical rigor and technical expertise needed to evaluate companies, build investment theses, etc.

Program Overview:We are currently recruiting 125 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 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 financial modeling, valuation, and investment analysis projects to demonstrate proficiency in core investment concepts within program deadlines
• Engage in guided training sessions covering equity research, financial statement analysis, portfolio construction, and investment strategy
• Participate in networking events, mentorship programs, and professional development opportunities to expand your network within the investment community
• Embrace a culture of analytical excellence, intellectual curiosity, and continuous learning, positioning yourself as a future leader

What We're Looking For - Ideal Degree Backgrounds

• Finance
• Economics
• Accounting
• Mathematics
• Statistics
• Business Administration with quantitative focus

Technical Skills (or strong willingness to develop)

• Financial modeling and Excel proficiency
• Financial statement analysis and accounting fundamentals
• Valuation methodologies (DCF, comparable companies, precedent transactions)
• Basic understanding of capital markets and investment vehicles
• Quantitative analysis and data interpretation
• Research and information synthesis

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

• Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for presenting investment ideas
• Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
• Ability to synthesize complex information and form independent judgments
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to defend perspectives professionally
• Time management and the ability to meet deadlines

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

What Makes a Strong Investment Academy Candidate
The strongest candidates combine intellectual curiosity about markets and businesses with the discipline to perform rigorous analysis. You should be genuinely interested in understanding how companies create value, comfortable working with numbers and financial data, and eager to develop informed opinions about investment opportunities. Successful scholars demonstrate the persistence to work through complex problems and the communication skills to articulate their findings clearly.

Eligibility Requirements

• Currently enrolled as a freshman (Class of 2029) at an accredited four-year institution
• Minimum 3.2 GPA required for standard consideration
• Students with GPAs between 3.0-3.19 may apply with a required personal essay
• Students below 3.0 GPA are not eligible
• 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 compet