More Than $35 Million in Cumulative Scholarships Offered to Class of 2011 PwC Impact Scholars

NEW YORK, June 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- More than $35 million in cumulative scholarships were offered to 136 Impact Scholars from Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, New York, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. who comprise the PwC Impact class of 2011, PwC US announced today.  PwC's Impact program provides academically talented African American/Black high school students with tools and strategies for navigating the college planning and financial aid process.  Since the launch of Impact in 2008, 271 students have completed the program and gone on to college.

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Impact scholars are selected through a competitive application process on the basis of academic backgrounds, strong standardized test scores, demonstrated leadership skills, extracurricular activities, essay responses and in-person interviews.   They enter the 15-month program as high school juniors.

"The financial landscape for most families is no less challenging today than it was during the recession.  In some cases, scholarships can be the deciding factor in not only where - but whether - a student attends college.  The ability of our Impact Scholars and their families to secure robust financial aid packages has been an important measure of the Impact program's success," said Niloufar Molavi, partner and chief diversity officer, PwC.

"The PwC Impact program has been a phenomenal opportunity for our student participants.  It has augmented our efforts in assuring post secondary acceptance," added Anita Berger, Principal, Benjamin Banneker Academic High School in Washington, D.C., which has had a number of students graduate from the Impact program.

Impact is a targeted approach to accelerating the introduction of diverse talent into leadership networks. It serves as a catalyst for expanding the educational view of today's youth, helping them to maximize the opportunities available, and ultimately leading to more fulfilling and potentially lucrative careers.

Through a series of workshops, Impact Scholars:

• Learn to navigate the college planning and application process
• Prepare for pursuing higher education
• Gain the support, information and guidance they need to broaden their awareness of the college options available and to help prepare for the admissions process
• Acquire tools and information for managing the necessary financial commitment
• Gain exposure to careers in the business and accounting professions
• Receive guidance from PwC professionals that will help mentor and provide additional support by sharing their experiences and acting as a sounding board for career and academic decisions
• Gain exposure to leadership networks they might not otherwise have

For more information about the Impact program and updates on the application process, visit www.pwc.com/impact.

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PwC firms provide industry-focused assurance, tax and advisory services to enhance value for their clients.  More than 161,000 people in 154 countries in firms across the PwC network share their thinking, experience and solutions to develop fresh perspectives and practical advice. See www.pwc.com for more information.

© 2011 PwC. All rights reserved. "PwC" and "PwC US" refer to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership, which is a member firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited, each member firm of which is a separate and independent legal entity.

SOURCE PwC