OK, so real talk: I know this is only one state CPA society, but I really want to call attention to what they’re doing for racial and ethnic minority accounting students. Basically, the Illinois CPA Society is now accepting applications for a three-day program dedicated to preparing students for success and increasing diversity in the accounting profession.
Selections for the 13th annual Mary T. Washington Wylie Internship Preparation Program will be held virtually from Jan. 7-9, 2025, while applications are due by Nov. 4 and can be submitted at www.icpas.org/mtww. Donations to the Mary T. Washington Wylie Opportunity Fund of the CPA Endowment Fund of Illinois support the program, which honors the legacy of Mary T. Washington as the first Black female CPA in the United States and has over 330 alumni.
College students who identify as a racial or ethnic minority who are Illinois residents, or who attend college in Illinois, and are seeking internships in accounting are encouraged to apply. Following a competitive selection process, program scholars will partake in an agenda that will arm them with the skills needed to secure their first accounting position and work toward earning the CPA credential.
Participants will engage in various sessions with representatives from predominantly larger firms that include Abbott, Baker Tilly LLP, Crowe LLP, Deloitte LLP, Ernst & Young LLP, Forvis Mazars LLP, Grant Thornton LLP, Hyatt Hotels Corp., KPMG LLP, McDonald’s Corp., Northern Trust Corp., PwC LLP, Sikich LLP, Topel Forman LLC, and Wipfli LLP, who’ll also interview participants for a variety of paid internships.
Other program highlights include motivational keynotes, resume advice, interview coaching, and opportunities to network with other diverse accounting students and professionals. All participants receive scholarship money to help with their educational expenses.
The CPA Endowment Fund of Illinois is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, founded in 1998 by Illinois CPA Society members. The Fund was created to ensure ongoing funding for scholarship and outreach programs geared toward encouraging individuals to choose accounting as a career and achieve the CPA credential.