PricewaterhouseCoopers Expands Impact Program into Two New Markets: Charlotte and Atlanta

NEW YORK, Jan. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) today announced the expansion of Impact, its educational community program for academically accomplished African-American high school students, into two new markets – Charlotte, N.C. and Atlanta, Ga.  The Impact program now helps students in six major U.S. metro areas navigate the rigorous college planning and financial aid process and gain admission into some of the nation's premier colleges and universities.  Recent graduates of the program were accepted into 60 colleges and offered financial aid packages averaging $24,000.  

Impact has grown nearly five-fold since its launch in 2008 with more than 50 students from New York and Washington, D.C.  The program added students from Philadelphia and Boston last year.  Through monthly workshops and the support of PwC mentors, Impact helps participants focus on college preparation essentials such as financial literacy, exploring school choices and writing application essays.  The curriculum was developed in conjunction with experienced teacher, administrator and advisor, Dr. Thomas A. Eppley, Jr.  For more information about the Impact program, visit: www.pwc.com/impact.

One critically important topic covered by Impact that has helped increase its relevance and popularity is securing financial aid.  With the average cost of college continuing to rise, financial aid is a major consideration for families today that has only been heightened by the difficult economy.  

"This expansion marks an important milestone for the Impact program," said Charlotte Coker Gibson, Impact program director. "The economic downturn has reinforced the need to not only help youth continue their educational journey -- but also figure out how to pay for it. By broadening the program's reach to Atlanta and Charlotte we are helping more students develop their skills to the fullest in order to foster future talent for the marketplace."

"Organizations need diverse talent to function effectively in today's global marketplace," added Niloufar Molavi, U.S. chief diversity officer for PricewaterhouseCoopers.  "Meeting that need starts by investing in future generations of leaders and providing them with the right tools, guidance and opportunities to succeed, even in a down economy.  By expanding Impact, PwC is taking a longer term view - and making an investment - in the global talent pool."

The Impact program is part of PwC's broader diversity strategy, as well as its commitment to corporate responsibility, with the firm focusing on youth education in communities throughout the United States.  In November 2009, PwC announced strategic education partnerships with MIND Research Institute and the Girl Scouts of the USA to help youth become financially literate and strong citizens who can have a sustainable impact on communities.  In its 2009 fiscal year, PwC donated approximately $7.4 million to causes related to strengthening youth education.

PwC member firms and their people around the world have also contributed more than $4 million to help build schools in Darfur and provide students with books, uniforms and well-trained teachers. The firm has also been recognized for its consistent leadership in diversity and inclusion.  In 2009, it was ranked #1 in The Diversity Inc Top 10 Global Diversity Companies and #3 in the Top 10 Companies for LGBT employees. For more information about the PwC's corporate responsibility commitment, visit: http://www.pwc.com/us/en/about-us/corporate-responsibility/index.jhtml

About PricewaterhouseCoopers

PricewaterhouseCoopers (www.pwc.com) provides industry-focused assurance, tax and advisory services to build public trust and enhance value for its clients and their stakeholders. More than 163,000 people in 151 countries across our network share their thinking, experience and solutions to develop fresh perspectives and practical advice.

"PricewaterhouseCoopers" refers to the network of member firms of PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited, each of which is a separate and independent legal entity.

SOURCE PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP