Accounting
AICPA Awards $451,000 in Minority Accounting Scholarships
These exceptional students were selected for the award, part of the AICPA’s Legacy Scholars program, through an extensive process which considered both their academic performance and their leadership capability.
Jan. 27, 2017
The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) has awarded 94 accounting students from across the United States and its territories the AICPA Scholarship for Minority Accounting Students for the 2016-17 academic year.
These exceptional students were selected for the award, part of the AICPA’s Legacy Scholars program, through an extensive process which considered both their academic performance and their leadership capability.
“The AICPA believes it is essential that we continue to develop and invest in the pipeline of students entering the profession,” said Joanne Fiore, AICPA vice president – professional media, academic and student engagement. “The recipients of this year’s Scholarship for Minority Accounting Students are examples of the diverse talent that will help the accounting profession continue to thrive well into the future.”
The AICPA Scholarship for Minority Accounting Students is one of the four scholarships awards available through the AICPA Legacy Scholars program. The recipients will receive a one-year AICPA scholarship and the opportunity to develop the skills needed for a successful career through service. They will be required to complete at least eight hours of service each semester by planning and implementing events on campus that advocate the accounting profession.
The AICPA Legacy Scholars program provided a total of more than $630,000 in scholarships for students across the nation for the 2016-2017 academic year. AICPA Legacy Scholars are Student Affiliate Members of the AICPA, which is a free-membership option available to college students. Each AICPA Legacy Scholar is given access to a coach who provides mentoring for the student’s service events and guidance in relation to the profession.
Each eligible AICPA Legacy Scholarship applicant must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and completed at least 30 semester hours in college-level coursework, including six semester hours in accounting. A task force comprised of AICPA Student Recruitment Committee members and CPA volunteers selected the recipients based on academic achievement; demonstration of leadership and volunteerism; and overall commitment to becoming a licensed CPA.
The application deadline for the 2017-2018 AICPA Legacy Scholarship is April 1, 2017. More information about the Legacy Scholars Program and other scholarship awards offered to accounting students is available online.
The Scholarship for Minority Accounting Students is one of a number of AICPA initiatives designed to promote increased diversity and a more inclusive environment in the accounting profession. More information about these efforts, as well as tools and resources for firms and CPAs, is available on the AICPA website.