Illinois CPA Society Hosts Accounting Internship Prep Program for Minority Students

The Illinois CPA Society is seeking minority college students to apply for the Mary T. Washington Wylie Internship Preparation Program. The award-winning program helps minority students interested in the accounting profession prepare for entry-level positions.

The program honors Ms. Washington Wylie, a trailblazer for minorities in the accounting profession, and advances diversity within the profession by building skills and presenting new opportunities for success to minority students. The program, hosted January 4-6, 2017, is an all-expense paid opportunity for up to 25 racially/ethnically diverse students who are sophomores, juniors, or seniors interested in accounting.

The program’s goal is to prepare and place students in paid internships at Illinois accounting firms through exposure to the profession, access to practical training, resources, and mentors.

Additionally, all participants receive a $500 scholarship to help with educational expenses. At the end of the program, participating accounting firms interview the students for a variety of opportunities, including Crowe Horwath LLP, Deloitte LLP, Ernst & Young LLP, Grant Thornton LLP, KPMG LLP, PwC LLP, and Sikich LLP. The program is funded by donations to the CPA Endowment Fund of Illinois’ Mary T. Washington Wylie Opportunity Fund.

“More than 80 percent of past participants ultimately accepted leadership, internship, or full-time positions. This program leaves students more motivated, confident, and prepared than they ever imagined. I hope everyone who learns about this program will encourage students to apply,” said Kari Natale, Director, CPA Endowment Fund of Illinois.

Students interested in the program can apply at www.icpas.org/mtww. The application deadline is November 18, 2016.

Accounting