The Deloitte Foundation, in collaboration with The Ohio State University, has created a need-based scholarship fund to support diverse students pursuing professional services careers at the university’s Max M. Fisher College of Business.

A total of $180,000, raised through contributions from Deloitte professionals, who are Ohio State graduates and with Deloitte Foundation matching gifts, will provide tuition support for Master of Accounting (MAcc) students as well as programmatic support for the college’s Project THRIVE.

“It is fundamental to harness the power of these students in order to help build more inclusive talent pipelines and advance both business and society,” said Cynthia Turner, assistant dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and chief diversity officer at Fisher. “As the first Black woman to earn a Ph.D. in accounting from The Ohio State University, I have seen first-hand how a holistic education can empower and motivate students to be successful in the accounting field. I am proud of our success so far and grateful for the Deloitte Foundation’s support of our students.”

Project THRIVE (Transcend fear; Harvest the power of knowledge; Raise the standard; Invest time wisely; Value others; Embrace excellence) was created by Turner in 2016 to provide diverse students with access to Fisher’s accounting curriculum and an accounting and MIS education experience. 

“As an Ohio State alumna, a former student of Dr. Turner’s, and now a Deloitte audit professional, I understand how critical this program can be in shaping a student’s future and success,” said Lauren Robinson, Audit & Assurance manager, Deloitte & Touche LLP. “Project THRIVE is a remarkable program. THRIVE helps incoming students adjust to the college experience and provides a circle of support for all student levels at Ohio State. It is a privilege to be able to give back to my alma mater and help sustain this program.”

The funds will provide $150,000 in scholarships over a three-year period to select students who are enrolled in Project THRIVE or the MAcc program – and who have expressed interest in pursuing a career in professional services – to complete the fifth year of education required to become a CPA. In addition, $30,000 will be designated for specific programs within Project THRIVE.

“As part of our mission to help prepare the next generation of diverse talent, the Deloitte Foundation matches alma mater donations from our professionals each year that fund key programs and initiatives on college and university campuses across the country,” said Erin Scanlon, Deloitte Foundation president. “We are proud to match donations from the Deloitte professionals who are Ohio State alumni to enable more students to take advantage of all that Project THRIVE offers while helping to build inclusive pipelines of future accounting talent.”