Diversity grant awarded to Bryant

SMITHFIELD – Bryant University is one of four universities receiving a share of $500,000 in grants from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to encourage students with diverse backgrounds to study accounting.
The schools – which also include the University of Southern California, Wake Forest University and Florida International University – will use the money for scholarships and career exploration programs for minority students who historically have been underrepresented in the accounting field.
As of 2008, African-Americans represented only 4 percent of public accounting professionals at all career levels and Latinos represented just 5 percent, according to the “Minorities in Tax 2010” report from TaxDiversity.com.
The initiative is part of PricewaterhouseCoopers’ broader efforts to identify, attract and develop talent and foster an inclusive culture.
“We want to open the eyes and minds of diverse students – many of whom might not have previously considered accounting – to the exciting opportunities that a career in the profession offers,” says Niloufar Molavi, partner and chief diversity officer at PricewaterhouseCoopers. “By supporting programs that expose more students from underrepresented groups to PricewaterhouseCoopers and the world of accounting, we’re that much closer to maximizing the talent pool.”
Bryant University will be awarded $150,000 for a three-year extension of the PricewaterhouseCoopers Accounting Careers Leadership Institute, a week-long, hands-on immersion program for diverse high school juniors to learn about accounting and its role in society. Students will work directly with Bryant faculty, staff and students, as well as PricewaterhouseCoopers professionals.
“[PricewaterhouseCoopers] and Bryant have a long history of working together to open doors and create opportunities for students of diverse backgrounds,” said Ronald K. Machtley, president of Bryant University. “[The institute] is shaping tomorrow’s business leaders by enabling participants to learn from accomplished educators and professionals in both academic and business settings.”
For information on PwC’s diversity commitment, visit www.pwc.com/diversity.