New Visa Scholarship Program Invests in the Long-Term Career Success of Next-Gen of Black Leaders

Universal acceptance for everyone, everywhere is not only Visa’s brand promise, it’s the foundation of the company’s culture. As the world’s leading digital payments technology company, Visa is a driver of global commerce with a clear mission to connect the world – enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. Visa’s purpose drives positive change in the world, which is why they recently made several commitments to help address racial injustice in America, and ensure that Visa’s workplace remains a place of belonging and acceptance. 

One of these commitments is the establishment of the Visa Black Scholars and Jobs Program – a new scholarship assistance program that provides education, mentorship and career-focused training for Black and African American students. Eligible scholars who meet all program requirements are guaranteed a full-time job at Visa after graduation.

Take Advantage of a Unique Opportunity

The Visa Black Scholars and Jobs Program, in partnership with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), is for eligible high school seniors applying or intending to apply to a four-year accredited college or university in the U.S. Selected scholars can receive a needs-based scholarship grant of up to $20,000/year. The eligibility requirements are as follows:

• Intend to pursue an education in Technology (e.g., Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Science, Networking, Cybersecurity, or related majors) or Business (e.g., HR, Finance, Marketing, Sales, International Business, or related majors)
• Be a current high school senior enrolled or intending to enroll in a full-time undergraduate degree in an accredited four-year college or university in the U.S.
• Be a United States citizen or permanent resident
• Have a minimum high school GPA of 3.0
• Demonstrate a financial need
• Identify as Black/African American

Visa is accepting applications through Monday, February 15, 2021. 

Build the Skills & Knowledge to Set You Up for Success

Financial assistance is just the beginning. Selected scholars will receive on-going coaching and guidance from experienced Visa employees and participate in career growth activities to prepare for post-graduation careers. As a scholarship recipient, you are also given the chance to grow critical technical, professional, and leadership skills, attend the Scholars Summit at Visa Headquarters and get the opportunity to take part in a summer internship.  

Visa leader Peter Walker, Vice President on the Visa Data team and member of Visa’s Black Executive Counsel, has been working behind the scenes as a program champion to bring the program to life. 

“For Visa, the program makes the company better. The diversity of talent and perspectives in a dynamic world is crucial for our success,” says Walker. “This program matters because creating an inclusive society requires all of us to be the change we want to see. We can corporately choose to invest in commu1nities that need our support and advocacy – aligning opportunity with ambition that will positively change the trajectory of young people’s lives.”

Apply Today and Make an Impact

It is inclusion and diversity programs like these that help bridge the opportunity gap, and, at WayUp, it is one of the most impressive programs we’ve seen since we launched our company in 2014. Success requires opportunity, and the Visa Black Scholars and Jobs Program is a real long-term investment in young Black talent who will go on to shape their generation and make Visa and the world a better place. 

Applications are open through Monday, February 15, 2021. Learn more and apply at TMCF.org/Visa.  

You can also explore all of Visa’s programs for students and new grads at visa.com/students.