Smith Patrick CPAs is helping offer opportunities to diverse students. The St. Louis-based firm has been selected by the AICPA as a co-sponsor of the George Willie Ethnically Diverse Student Scholarship & Internship Program.
Growing Diversity in Accounting
Smith Patrick is one of 10 firms that was selected by AICPA’s Private Company Practice Section (PCPS) to sponsor a student during the 2024 tax season (January to April). This scholarship and internship program will benefit 10 ethnically diverse students pursuing an accounting degree with up to $10,000 towards tuition.
“Growing our profession and helping students is a win-win. Hands-on experience is key to a successful career. Our team wants to help diverse students learn and grow in the accounting field. We also want to foster a more inclusive workplace. We look forward to sponsoring the scholarship winner next spring.”
—David Smith, President & CEO of Smith Patrick CPAs
The program honors George Willie, former chair of the PCPS Executive Committee and AICPA Minority Initiatives Committee. Willie has spent his career supporting students and young professionals pursuing their CPA designation.
AICPA (American Institute of CPAs) is the world’s largest member association representing the accounting profession. Smith Patrick CPAs is a member of AICPA and Missouri Society of CPAs.
Student Scholarship Program Requirements
The program is open to ethnic minority students pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in accounting or an accounting-related major and who plan to sit for the CPA exam.
Eligible applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Plan to pursue the CPA credential
- Minority student of Black or African American; Hispanic or Latino; Native American or Alaska Native; Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander; Multiethnic or Asian American
- Enrolled on a full-time basis and plan to remain enrolled full-time for the upcoming academic year
- Completed at least 120 hours of course work and have 30 hours or fewer of upper-level accounting courses remaining prior to the upcoming academic year (working toward completing the 150-hour credit requirement for CPA licensure)
- Availability for an internship during the 2022 busy season (January – April)
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident (green card holder)
- Be an AICPA Student Affiliate member (or have submitted a new member application).
Learn more about the AICPA Internship Program.
Smith Patrick CPAs also provides several other internships each year. For for information in student accounting internships, get in touch.
More Information
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David Smith
David Smith helps businesses and individuals develop smart business practices for tax and accounting advantages as the president of Smith Patrick CPAs. He is involved in the cannabis industry in Missouri through MoCannTrade and other organizations, helping cannabis operators with their tax and accounting needs.
About Smith Patrick CPAs
Smith Patrick CPAs is a boutique, St. Louis-based, CPA firm dedicated to providing personal guidance on taxes, investment advice and financial service to forward-thinking businesses and financially active individuals. For over 30 years, our firm has focused on providing excellent service to business owners and high-net worth families across the country. Investment Advisory Services are offered through Wealth Management, LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor.
