From Student Competition to Career: Praise Olaiya’s Journey at Fisk University
Student competitions provide valuable opportunities for professional development, mentorship, public speaking and more. Fisk University student Praise Olaiya competed in one such competition through the Goldman Sachs Market Madness program, a semester-long finance training initiative created in partnership with UNCF.
The program’s case study competition required Olaiya to hone his academic skills in a competitive environment and develop skills that extend beyond the classroom. He needed to think critically, quickly analyze information and perform under pressure—skills that will serve him well in his career. At the conclusion of the competition, Olaiya was awarded $6,000, which helped him cover tuition costs and reduced the financial stress of higher education.
“UNCF has been an incredible support in my educational journey through the Goldman Sachs Market Madness program,” Olaiya said. “It gave me the freedom to pour my energy into my academics and growth as a student.”
UNCF provides over 11,000 scholarships annually to students attending our member HBCUs and other universities across the country. The Goldman Sachs Market Madness program is just one of these life-changing scholarships.
“Apply for every opportunity available to you. You never know which one will change the trajectory of your life.”
Olaiya is majoring in computer science. He is passionate about technology and product development and hopes to build solutions that address real-world problems as a software engineer. He expects to graduate in May 2027.
Olaiya was drawn to UNCF-member institution Fisk University because of the university’s reputation and history. The institution’s legacy and academic standing were important factors in his decision. He was also drawn to Fisk’s close-knit campus environment—a smaller student body can provide opportunities to build personal connections with faculty and peers. Receiving a scholarship to attend Fisk further solidified his decision.
Olaiya offers encouragement to prospective and current students. “Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and apply for every opportunity available to you,” he said. “You never know which one will change the trajectory of your life.”
The Goldman Sachs Market Madness program did just that for Olaiya. He credits UNCF, Goldman Sachs and the donors who support these programs with making his educational journey possible. “It was an opportunity I didn’t take for granted,” he said. “It pushed me to think critically and perform at a high level. It’s something I’ll carry with me long after graduation.”
What began as an opportunity to participate in a case study competition became a defining part of his Fisk experience, providing critical financial support and preparing him for a future career in technology.
UNCF is proud of our students and alumni who have received scholarships that help them continue their education and graduate. These scholarships are invaluable to students, and UNCF is accepting donations to support students like Praise Olaiya in their academic endeavors.