The Bree Montoya Scholarship for Accounting has opened applications for undergraduate students across the United States pursuing careers in accounting, finance, or related fields. Established by accounting professional Bree Montoya, this initiative addresses the growing need for ethical awareness and transparency within accounting and financial systems. The scholarship reflects a continued commitment to ethical standards, academic responsibility, and the future of the accounting profession.
This scholarship matters because it directly tackles foundational issues facing the financial industry. In an era where public trust in financial institutions can be fragile, initiatives that prioritize ethics and accountability help strengthen the profession's credibility. The scholarship centers on the belief that strong ethical decision-making is essential to the long-term credibility of accounting, encouraging students to think critically about their role in maintaining trust, accuracy, and accountability in financial reporting.
For students, this represents both financial support and professional validation. The scholarship provides a one-time financial award of $1,000 to support academic expenses related to undergraduate education. More significantly, it recognizes students who demonstrate strong academic dedication, personal integrity, and a clear interest in contributing responsibly to the financial reporting and accounting field. The impact extends beyond the individual recipient by promoting values that benefit the entire industry.
Applicants must submit an original essay between 500 and 800 words responding to a prompt focused on ethics and transparency in accounting. Essays are evaluated based on originality, clarity, critical thinking, and alignment with professional accounting values. Submissions must clearly explain how ethical decision-making supports public trust and how the applicant plans to apply these principles throughout an accounting career.
The scholarship's establishment by Bree Montoya carries particular weight given her professional background. Montoya serves as Director of the Business Valuation and Litigation Support Department at Gray, Blodgett & Company, PLLC, with more than twenty years of accounting experience and fifteen years in public accounting. Her work spans business valuation, forensic accounting, and financial consulting across multiple industries. This practical experience informs the scholarship's focus on real-world ethical challenges in accounting.
The application deadline is July 15, 2026, with one recipient selected and officially announced on August 15, 2026. The scholarship is administered independently and not limited by geographic boundaries, open to undergraduate students enrolled at accredited colleges or universities within the United States. Additional information, eligibility details, and application instructions are available on the official scholarship website at https://www.breemontoyascholarship.com.
By reinforcing the importance of honesty, diligence, and accountability in financial education, this scholarship aligns with current academic and professional discussions surrounding ethical leadership, financial transparency, and responsible decision-making in accounting practices. It represents a tangible investment in the next generation of accounting professionals who will uphold these critical standards.
