Kafi Scholars
Meet the first Kafi Scholars.
Kafi Scholars is the foundation's flagship program, supporting students pursuing education in economics, business, and related fields while building a longer-term network of learning, mentorship, and opportunity.
Why it exists
A scholarship
with a purpose.
Professor Farhoud Kafi spent more than 50 years helping students understand the forces shaping the world around them. Kafi Scholars carries that work forward for a new generation.
Every award connects a student's education to KFF's mission: inspiring tomorrow's leaders with sound economic principles and fostering a more informed, economically resilient society.
The 2026 cohort
Meet the 2026 Kafi Scholars.
Eight students from across the country, each pursuing economics, business, or a related field, and each committed to creating opportunity for others.
Kafi Scholar · 2026
Utica University
Economics
A resilient and purpose-driven Economics student whose Ghanaian values of discipline, responsibility, and perseverance have shaped a commitment to using business, economics, and data-driven strategies to address real-world challenges, expand opportunities for underserved communities, and create meaningful economic and social impact in both the United States and Ghana.
Kafi Scholar · 2026
University of Connecticut, Storrs
Business Management & Administration
A focused and entrepreneurial student who has demonstrated academic and leadership strength while launching and managing a homemade cookie business, developing hands-on skills in customer service, pricing, marketing, and organization, and is pursuing a career in business that creates opportunities and positively impacts the community.
Kafi Scholar · 2026
SUNY Empire State University
Business Administration
After overcoming the challenges of leaving home and immigrating to the United States, this scholar has developed exceptional resilience, adaptability, communication, and responsibility, transforming these experiences into a clear ambition to build a future focused on creating stability, opportunity, and positive impact for others.
Kafi Scholar · 2026
Bentley University
Business Administration
A dedicated student-athlete and community leader who raised over $30,000 for the American Cancer Society, competed in varsity swimming for four years, and completed two service trips to the Dominican Republic. While developing a strong interest in finance through Stock Market Club, this scholar aspires to build a career in finance and entrepreneurship focused on creating opportunities for others.
Kafi Scholar · 2026
Harvard University
Economics and Energy & Environment
A student who founded a solar-focused nonprofit, served as a U.S. Senate Page and state politics leader, and held multiple Harvard leadership roles while pursuing a career in sustainable finance to expand economic opportunity and strengthen communities.
Kafi Scholar · 2026
Cornell University
Applied Economics and Management
A resilient and purpose-driven student pursuing investment management and governmental finance to promote economic inclusion, invest in underserved communities, and expand access to education and opportunity in alignment with the Kafi Foundry Foundation's mission.
Kafi Scholar · 2026
University at Buffalo
Business Administration
A resilient first-generation American and dedicated advocate who co-founded Compassion Champions, growing it from a school supply drive into a youth-led nonprofit that has provided essential resources to more than 1,300 individuals, while pursuing business to develop inclusive employment and workforce opportunities for underserved communities.
Kafi Scholar · 2026
Barnard College
Business Administration
A dedicated and service-driven student who completed more than ten years of Russian ballet training and earned the Girl Scout Gold Award by creating the Elevate Dance Project to bring dance opportunities to underserved children, demonstrating strong leadership, discipline, and commitment to community service.
The scholar experience
More than an award.
01
Financial support
Awards that help students pursue education in economics, business, and related fields.
02
Scholar identity
Recognition as part of a named community connected to Professor Kafi's legacy.
03
Development
Learning experiences that connect economic thinking to real-world decisions.
04
Alumni connection
A growing network of scholars, mentors, and partners over time.
What's next
Be first to know when the next cycle opens.
Application dates and requirements will be posted here. Join our list and we'll let you know as soon as they're confirmed.
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Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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