CFP Board Creates Scholarship Program Honoring First Black CFP

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The new CFP Board scholarship program honors LeCount R. Davis, who became certified in 1978.

The CFP Board Center for Financial Planning created its first endowed scholarship program honoring the first Black certified financial planner professional, LeCount R. Davis, it said.

The new LeCount R. Davis, CFP Scholarship program was developed to support the next generation of diverse CFP professionals, the CFP Board said, noting it will assist qualified Black/African American students and professionals who are committed to attaining CFP certification and to the practice of financial planning.

The scholarship will award as much as $5,000 per student seeking to complete an undergraduate- or certificate-level CFP Board registered program, based on demonstrated merit and financial need, it said.

After completing the required education coursework, scholarship recipients will be eligible to take the CFP exam and pursue the next steps to attain certification, the CFP Board said.

Davis was an advisor for over 50 years and became the first Black person to earn the CFP certification in 1978. Before that, he started his own consulting firm in 1970, specializing in tax planning, small business management, financial planning, financial management and investment consulting.

During his career, Davis’ client portfolio included national organizations, international labor unions, pension funds, individuals, small businesses, religious organizations, investment clubs and other entities, the CFP board said.