CXR Foundation

Investing in the Next
Generation of TA Leaders

Since 2021, the CXR Foundation has awarded over $30,000 in scholarships to students and professionals connected to the talent acquisition industry — because our community's impact doesn't stop when the workday ends.

2020Established
$45K+Awarded
2,000+Applications Reviewed
2Active Scholarships
Since 2021

CXR Foundation
INSPIRE Scholarship

$5,000 - $10,000 · Awarded annually each May

The INSPIRE Scholarship was the program that launched the CXR Foundation. It exists to support the educational journeys of those closest to the talent acquisition community — whether that's the child of a recruiter heading off to college, or a working TA professional investing in their own advanced degree.

Every year, hundreds of applicants are personally reviewed by our volunteer committee using a scoring process that prioritizes financial need, first-generation college attendance, and diverse backgrounds. The top candidates are interviewed before finalists are presented to the Board for vote.

Who should apply?
  • Children of talent acquisition or talent management professionals
  • TA professionals pursuing an advanced degree
  • Graduating high school seniors and current college/university students
  • Applicants must plan to attend an accredited U.S. college or university
📅Applications open each December
🎓Winner announced each May
🏦Award paid directly to your accredited school
Added 2024

Russ Mountain
Memorial Scholarship

$5,000 - $10,000 · Awarded annually each May

Russ Mountain had a knack for spotting potential in people. He built careers, led with integrity, and invested relentlessly in the people around him. Those who worked for him will tell you he changed their lives. This scholarship honors his legacy by doing for a new generation what Russ did for so many — opening a door.

Named in his honor by the team at Rowland, Mountain & Associates, the RMM Scholarship is awarded to rising juniors or seniors pursuing a TA-related degree. Recipients are evaluated by a dedicated committee and are expected to embody Russ's four core values:

BBelieve
EEffort
SStructure
TTotal Commitment
📅Applications open each December
🎓For rising juniors and seniors in TA-related study
🏦Award paid directly to your accredited school

The Recruiting Community
Shows Up for Its Own

Funded entirely by donations from CXR members, sponsors, and the talent acquisition community. Every dollar stays in the industry — invested in the next generation of people who will shape it.

2,000+Applications reviewed
8lives changed
$45kin scholarships
100%Community
Funded

Meet Our Winners

Each winner is selected by a volunteer committee after a review of hundreds of applications and a series of personal interviews. These are the people the CXR community has invested in.

2021 INSPIRE
Emily R.
Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis
Public Policy, Urban Concentration
"I want to help build better communities and expand the way our urban communities serve people. I'm proud to be associated with the CXR Foundation and thrilled to receive this year's scholarship."
2022 INSPIRE
Christine Smith
Southern New Hampshire University
MBA in Human Resources
"Human resources are the foundation blocks of every business. Receiving this scholarship will help me gain the knowledge and tools needed to serve my community in new HR roles."
Hear/watch Christine's Story
2023 INSPIRE
Olivia Cohen
Texas A&M University
"I hope to combine my passions for business, leadership, and technology to make a positive impact in the world. I am extremely grateful to have received the CXR Scholarship so I can continue following my dreams."
Hear/watch Olivia's Story
2024 INSPIRE
Ysolina Hartzell
Florida Atlantic University
Industrial Psychology · Workplace Wellness
Ysolina is a senior at Florida Atlantic University planning to continue her career in Industrial Psychology with a focus on workplace wellness.
Hear/watch Ysolina's Story
2024 Russ Mountain Memorial
Alayna Bunch
University of Kentucky
Recruiting · Interning at Rowland Mountain & Associates
Alayna is a junior at the University of Kentucky planning to start her career as a recruiter — and gaining early experience through her internship at Rowland Mountain & Associates.
Hear/watch Alayna's Story
2025 INSPIRE
Hillary Davis
Human Resources & Talent Acquisition
"Finding the right fit for a position can positively impact both the candidate and the company. This scholarship will allow me to pursue further education in HR and recruitment — bringing me one step closer to my career goals."
Hear/watch Hillary's Story
2025 Russ Mountain Memorial
Caroline Wittenauer
University of Connecticut School of Business
Business Management · Entrepreneurship, Finance & Spanish
"I believe there is still a tremendous opportunity to create meaningful change in the way organizations approach talent acquisition — to help companies make more thoughtful, inclusive hiring decisions."
Hear/watch Caroline's Story
2026 INSPIRE
Adela Schoolderman
Human Resources & Talent Acquisition
Adela is already working directly in the talent acquisition industry and is pursuing further education to formalize and deepen her expertise in HR and recruiting.
Hear/watch Adela's Story

Support the Next
Scholarship Winner

Donations from CXR members and sponsors make these scholarships possible. Every contribution goes directly to our scholarship fund — 100% of it reaches the recipient's school.