Amherst, Mass.—The Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) Association, the sponsor of the only globally recognized designation for alternative investment expertise, has announced the launch of a new foundation. The CAIA Foundation will enable individuals and organizations in the finance industry to invest in developing the knowledge and talent base in the field of alternative investments.

"The CAIA Foundation opens the door for industry leaders to make meaningful commitments to education in one of the fastest growing segments of the asset management industry," said Thomas A. Porter, Director of the CAIA Foundation. "Partners of the CAIA Foundation will be able to participate by funding research and commentary on alternative investments, contributing to enhancing alternative investment curriculum standards, and encouraging talent through scholarships."

100 Women in Hedge Funds (100WHF), a non-profit organization for professionals in the alternative investments industry, and Pacific Alternative Asset Management Company, LLC (PAAMCO), an independent fund of hedge funds investment firm, have made that commitment by collaborating on a multi-year scholarship program. Through the newly formed 100 Women in Hedge Funds Institute, 10 scholarships will be awarded every year for the next five years to full Members of 100WHF to earn the CAIA designation. PAAMCO will underwrite the scholarships.

Wiley Publishing and Kaplan Schweser have also partnered with the CAIA Foundation to provided added benefits to the scholars. The combined scholarship package includes enrollment and registration fees for CAIA Level I and Level II exams, the CAIA Knowledge Series textbooks, the Schweser CAIA Level 1 Premium Plus program support, and the first year CAIA Association membership fee. The first 10 scholarship recipients will sit for the September 2011 CAIA Level I exam. The deadline to apply for the scholarship is Friday, April 15. Eligibility requirements and the electronic application form are on the CAIA Foundation website at http://foundation.caia.org. For more information, email foundation@caia.org.

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About CAIA Association and CAIA Foundation

The Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst Association (CAIA) is an independent, not-for-profit global organization committed to education and professionalism in the field of alternative investments. Founded in 2002, the Association is the sponsoring body for the CAIA designation. Recognized worldwide, the designation certifies one's mastery of the concepts, tools, and practices essential for understanding alternative investments and promotes adherence to high standards of professional conduct. The CAIA Foundation partners with industry-leading organizations to increase knowledge and talent in the field of alternative investments. The Foundation’s website is http://foundation.caia.org