Capital One Expands Student Opportunities with New Scholarship

A $150,000 commitment from Capital One will support scholarships for students pursuing specialization in applied experience design and research at The University of Texas at Dallas.

The inaugural Capital One Scholarship in Applied Experience Design & Research was awarded to five students for the 2025-26 academic year, marking the beginning of a multiyear partnership designed to expand access to one of the fastest-growing fields in technology.

The $10,000 scholarships are open to undergraduates enrolled in the certificate in applied experience design and research program in the Harry W. Bass Jr. School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology. The certificate program prepares students for careers in user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design, fields that touch nearly every aspect of modern digital life.

Each of the five Capital One scholars is paired with a mentor who works on Capital One’s financial services design team, which focuses on the intersection of financial services and user-centered innovation.

“Mentors are instrumental for academic success and career development of diverse talent,” said Briana Shaver, senior manager design lead for financial services design at Capital One. “If I could help someone the way my mentors helped me in the past, that would be amazing.”

Capital One also plans to conduct master classes in applied experience design that would be open to all UT Dallas students, and the company’s financial services design associates will serve as judges for capstone projects on campus.

“We are moving beyond traditional philanthropy to be an active and strategic partner for universities like UT Dallas, building a support network where students benefit from Capital One’s expertise, mentorship and resources,” said Renee Rives, managing vice principal and head of design for financial services at Capital One. “It’s a great partnership because it’s truly a mutually beneficial relationship. We get to help emerging designers while they are in school at UT Dallas and that also puts Capital One on their radar as a great place for designers to work.”

Dr. Mark McKinney, professor of instruction and program head of media arts and design in the Bass School, emphasized the value of connecting students with industry professionals.

“They get exposure to professionals, real-world mentorship and the confidence that they’re preparing for careers where design truly impacts people’s lives,” McKinney said. “Our alumni at Capital One rave about their experience working there.”

Inaugural Capital One Scholarship Recipients

Muskaan Shariff, a junior, said, “This scholarship not only lifts some of the financial weight off my shoulders, but it also inspires me to design with purpose. It feels like Capital One believes in my potential, and that’s just so motivating.”

Shariff, who serves as the graphic design and marketing chair for the Student Union & Activities Advisory Board, has pursued projects that address cultural isolation and accessibility challenges. She said the scholarship will allow her to deepen her focus on user psychology and inclusive design methods.

For senior Rajit Goel, the award provides crucial support to continue research that hits close to home. Goel has combined his computer science background with design to develop tools for individuals with low vision or blindness.

“Many of my relatives struggle with vision impairment, so accessibility design is personal for me,” Goel said. “Capital One’s support helps me continue that research.”

Junior Christopher Tran said the scholarship is a milestone in confirming his career path.

“Capital One opened my eyes to how many designers it takes to build meaningful products,” Tran said. “It’s inspiring to know there’s a place for someone like me in the field.”

Junior Alea Nablan and senior Ariel Tamez both agree that the mentorship component of the program is especially impactful.

“Being able to have a mentor and somebody that can kind of guide me toward the right path is something that I’m really looking forward to,” Nablan said.

Tamez added that networking with Capital One employees will help her prepare for graduate study and future work in UX/UI design.

“I love being able to connect with my mentor at Capital One to get that professional perspective,” she said.