The Black CPA Centennial Fund announced the launch of the Aspiring Black CPA Scholarship — a one-time, national initiative that will provide financial support for Black and African American accounting students and professionals pursuing CPA licensure.
The Black CPA Centennial Fund raised nearly $84,000 as part of the 2021 Black CPA Centennial — the Illinois CPA Society’s year-long event honoring the 100th anniversary of John Cromwell, the country’s first Black CPA — in support of the scholarship.
Scholarships will provide support for CPA exam-related expenses including college tuition, classroom materials, CPA exam prep courses, CPA exam application fees, and more.
ICPAS
“Our intent is to help pave the way for more Black individuals to pursue the CPA credential and succeed in a more diverse and inclusive CPA profession,” said Todd Shapiro, president and CEO of the Illinois CPA Society, in a statement. “To do that, we must help these deserving students and professionals by meeting them where they are. We’re empowered to support as many individuals as possible by providing unique and meaningful financial assistance to each recipient as they strive to overcome various financial barriers during their pursuit of the coveted CPA credential.”
To be eligible for the scholarship, individuals must:
- Identify as Black or African American;
- Be a senior, graduate student, or professional pursuing CPA licensure;
- Intend to sit for the CPA exam within one year of applying for the scholarship;
- Have not already completed all four sections of the CPA exam;
- Demonstrate a commitment to the accounting/CPA profession; and,
- Demonstrate immediate financial need related to becoming a CPA.
Individuals can apply through May 1, 2022, on ICPAS’s site here.
See our other coverage of the year-long Black CPA Centennial celebration: