A hallmark of the Pelissier Scholars experience, the week-long trip to Wall Street has enabled UK students to experience first-hand financial markets in the United States. Professional money managers, investment bankers, fund managers, security dealers, consultants, and other practitioners who are a part of the financial community hosted company visits and made presentations. Students developed a better understanding of how financial markets and institutions operate, gained a greater appreciation for the contributions to the ecosystem of the markets and firms, and enjoyed valuable networking opportunities. Most Pelissier Scholars obtained highly competitive finance jobs in largest firms and developed strong connections with other UK alumni subsequently.

Thanks to Mrs. Marguerite Pelissier's generous support, a maximum of 18 students will each receive up to $1,800 to participate in the visit during March 12-18, 2025, spring break (yes, the  spring break @ UK). A team leader, who will receive an additional $200, will be selected to lead the team and coordinate with the faculty members on the meetings and trip logistics.

Format and Deadlines

A scholarship committee of the John Maze Stewart Department of Finance and Quantitative Methods of Gatton College of Business and Economics will select a maximum of 18 participants. Applications are open to second year students of ALL majors currently enrolled at the University of Kentucky. Participants will be asked to register and complete a one-credit-hour course in the Spring semester that includes pre-trip training and post-trip reflections.

Application Procedure

You may apply between 12am on November 1 and 11:59pm Eastern Time on December 1. Applicants must submit the following materials online:

1. Completed application (Incomplete applications will NOT be considered.)

2. A current resume (one page and in PDF format)

3. A written essay of no more than 250 words (Word or PDF) showing your qualifications and interest in this scholarship experience.

Qualifications

1. Interest in learning finance and exploring finance careers
2. Excellent academic record
3. Strong work ethic
4. Excellent oral and written communication skills
5. Confidence to ask questions during meetings
6. Availability and willingness to complete the one-credit-hour course in Spring and participate in all company visits and other required activities in NYC.

Must enroll and attend the Pelissier class in the Spring semester, which will meet every Tuesday from 6 pm to 7 pm.

Important conditions of participation include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Punctuality: A participant must be on time for the meetings. 
2. Dress code: A participant should adhere to the dress code as required for all meetings.
3. Professionalism: A participant should be courteous and professional during meetings.
4. Finance knowledge, pre-trip training, and post-trip reflection essay: Participants must complete Bloomberg Market Concepts (BMC) certification, Capital IQ, and required reading assignments and training sessions prior to the meetings and other requirements of the 1-hour course (in the Spring).

Any participant who fails on one or more of the above (e.g., showing up more than 10 minutes late for a meeting or failing to attend key pre-trip training meetings without an excused absence) will be dismissed from the scholars group.

Selected candidates may be asked to interview. Initial scholarship decisions will be sent to selected candidates by December 15. Final scholarship decisions will be made in January pending verification of the Fall 2023 academic records and other key components in the application. 

Apply Now!