The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) is the national, professional organization for all Certified Public Accountants. As a leader in fostering diversity in the workforce, the AICPA provides the Scholarship for Minority Accounting Students to outstanding accounting students with ethnic minority backgrounds and with significant potential to become CPAs. For the 2007 – 2008 academic year, 137 accounting scholars of ethnically diverse backgrounds were selected as recipients of this prestigious award. Funding is provided by the AICPA Foundation, with contributions from the New Jersey Society of CPAs and Robert Half International.

Eligibility Requirements

Qualified students must be enrolled in a full-time undergraduate or graduate accounting program for the 2008 – 2009 academic year and intend to pursue the CPA designation upon graduation. Applicants must have a 3.3 overall and cumulative GPA and have successfully completed at least thirty semester hours of college coursework and a minimum of six hours in accounting courses. This scholarship is available only to students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents and who have an ethnic minority background. Further details are listed on the program website listed below.

Payment and Renewals

Individual awards range from $1,500 – $5,000 and are renewable pending good academic status is maintained. Selected students will be notified by August 1, 2008 and payment will be sent to the school’s financial aid office.

Application Process/Deadline

An applicant must submit a completed application, including; official transcript(s) from post-secondary institutes attended and a letter of recommendation from a CPA or faculty member.

You can access a downloadable application.

Entries must be submitted to the AICPA by June 2, 2008.

Additional Information

To learn more about the AICPA Scholarship for Minority Accounting Students and other AICPA minority initiatives, visit the program Web site.

Snail mail:
AICPA Minority Initiative Programs
220 Leigh Farm Rd.
Durham, NC 27707

Phone: (919) 402-4931