In an effort to support a racially and ethnically diverse student population and help strengthen the pipeline of diverse CPA talent, the Fordham University Gabelli School of Business has announced its collaboration with the Deloitte Foundation in the Deloitte Foundation Accounting Scholars Program (DFASP).
Launched in 2021, the DFASP works in parallel with Deloitte’s MADE (Making Accounting Diverse and Equitable), a $75 million commitment to fuel greater racial and ethnic diversity in accounting and tax and generate more opportunities and leadership pathways for the next generation of certified public accountants (CPAs).
The Deloitte Foundation expects to fund $30 million in scholarships for students over the next several years, including students interested in pursuing a fifth-year master’s degree in accounting, master’s of tax, or master’s of accounting with a concentration in audit, advisory or tax through the DFASP. The Deloitte Foundation is collaborating with nearly 20 participating colleges and universities across the U.S., including Fordham’s Gabelli School of Business, in an effort to increase representation of racially and ethnically diverse students in these programs. DFASP participating schools and the Deloitte Foundation will cover 100% of tuition (excluding books and living expenses) for selected students.
“The Deloitte Foundation accelerates innovation and equity in education to build pathways to opportunity for the workforce of tomorrow,” said Erin Scanlon, Deloitte Foundation president. “We are very excited to bring the Deloitte Foundation Accounting Scholars Program to more colleges and universities this year to engage more diverse students in pursuing a career in accounting or tax.”
“We are thrilled to be one of the institutions of higher education participating in the Deloitte Foundation Accounting Scholars Program. The Fordham University Gabelli School of Business is dedicated to offering educational and professional pathways in accounting and taxation for racially and ethnically diverse students. Our goal is to provide them with an exceptional education that is grounded in the School’s deep commitment to conducting ‘Business With Purpose,’” said Barbara Porco, PhD, clinical professor and associate dean of graduate studies.
“Our philosophy focuses on empowering students who are passionate about business with a higher purpose – not only to generate profit but also produce positive change for social justice, equitable outcomes, environmental sustainability and lasting and impactful change. We see the diversification of the fields of accounting and tax as being critical to this process,” added Stan Veliotis, PhD, associate professor and area chair, accounting and taxation.
“Talent is equally distributed, but opportunity may not be. There is an urgent and long-term need to create racial and ethnic equality in accounting, business, and society more broadly, and I am delighted to see this collaboration between the Deloitte Foundation and Fordham University and the resulting opportunity it presents for participating students,” said Roger G. Arrieux, Jr., New York managing partner, Deloitte LLP. “This program helps to strengthen the pipeline of diverse talent entering the CPA profession.”
Applications for the 2023-2024 school year are available now, with scholarships granted in 2023. Interested students should apply for Fall 2023 for admission to the Fordham University Gabelli School of Business MS in Accounting or MS in Taxation by March 31, 2023, and then separately apply to be considered for the DFASP. Each DFASP participating school will select the scholarship recipients.
Thanks for reading CPA Practice Advisor!
Subscribe Already registered? Log In
Need more information? Read the FAQs
Tags: Accounting
