KPMG unveils scholarship program for underrepresented students

As part of its diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, KPMG introduced a Tax Scholarship Program to allow students from underrepresented groups to continue their studies at the university of their choice. 

A recent KPMG survey found that two-thirds of C-suite executives reported seeing more candidates from underrepresented backgrounds  enrolling in accounting programs. In accordance with KPMG's Accelerate 2025 DEI commitments, the Tax Scholarship Program aims to create leadership pathways for aspiring accountants among underrepresented groups with KPMG as an employer of choice.

"We are very excited to have people apply, and we're looking forward to the impact that we're going to make in the students' lives as they start their careers," said French Taylor, KPMG DEI leader for tax. "To create additional opportunities for underrepresented talent, we had to solve some of the baseline issues around getting the fifth year required for the CPA exam, and this program is an opportunity to address an economic need in a changing environment."

As part of the program, scholarship recipients will receive up to $40,000 in funding, along with mentorship and coaching opportunities within the KPMG network. Taylor said that each pair will be supervised by other people to make sure the mentorship is beneficial to both parties, and that teamwork is a critical part of the firm's culture. It will be available to any eligible student from underrepresented ethnic or racial groups pursuing a master's degree in tax or accounting. 

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Furthermore, students may be eligible for part-time internships in KPMG tax practices while completing their degrees. These opportunities would be set to last between three or four months, with full access to the firm's "best clients" in a consulting role. But what students could be most excited to learn is that upon finishing their higher education, scholarship recipients will gain full-time employment at KPMG Tax.

"Guaranteed employment really is the pillar of this program, to show what we've invested when we interviewed these candidates and to make sure that they were successful on a long-term basis," said Taylor. "Many young professionals want to work earlier because they already have financial responsibilities that go beyond school, and we have structured this program as a way to acknowledge that one size doesn't fit all, and that you really need to have flexibility."

Taylor added that while candidates are employed at KPMG, the company will also provide additional resources and accommodations for them to prepare for the CPA exam. He said that allowing people to work while going to school was an essential element of the program for an earlier exposure to the accounting industry and connecting with students no matter their school.

Applications will be open on a rolling basis, and students will be contacted by KPMG's university talent acquisition team within three weeks after their application.