Eliminating barriers to education and promoting diversity is an ongoing effort for the field of higher education. Potential and talent lies within every individual in every background, and opportunities to bring potential to fruition should be equitable but often are not. By making education more accessible and equitable, the future workforce will be more diverse and representative of the various ethnicities and races that comprise our nation.
With the aim of supporting a racially and ethnically diverse student population and, thus, the next generation of accountants in the workforce, the Fordham University Gabelli School of Business recently announced its collaboration with the Deloitte Foundation in the Deloitte Foundation Accounting Scholars Program (DFASP) and its plan to increase student access to the school’s accounting and business programs.
“We are thrilled to be one of the institutions of higher education participating in the Deloitte Foundation Accounting Scholars Program,” said Barbara Porco, PhD, Clinical Professor and Associate Dean of Graduate Studies at Fordham University. “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.’”
The DFASP, launched in 2021, works in tandem with Deloitte’s MADE (Making Accounting Diverse and Equitable), a $75 million initiative with the aim to incite greater racial and ethnic diversity in accounting and tax. The MADE program also works to generate more opportunities and leadership pathways for the next generation of certified public accountants (CPAs).
“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.”
The Deloitte Foundation anticipates funding $30 million in scholarships and financial aid for students over the next several years. Scholarships will also be offered to 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.
“At the Fordham University Gabelli School of Business, we are passionate about creating a diverse and inclusive community of people committed to making a positive difference in our world. We are grateful to have the opportunity to collaborate with Deloitte on this critically important initiative,” said Lerzan Aksoy, Ph.D., dean of the Gabelli School of Business.
The Deloitte Foundation has united with nearly 20 participating colleges and universities across the nation, including Fordham’s Gabelli School of Business, with a vision to increase representation of racially and ethnically diverse students in business and accounting programs. DFASP participating schools and the Deloitte Foundation will cover up to 100% of tuition (excluding books and living expenses) for selected students.
“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.”
“Our philosophy focuses on empowering students who are passionate about business with a higher purpose,” added Stan Veliotis, PhD, Associate Professor and Area Chair, Accounting and Taxation. “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.”