There are many reasons why applying for a Washington CPA Foundation (Foundation) Scholarship is worth your time. Obviously, the size of the scholarship is compelling on its own. But are you aware of the reasons below? Here are some facts and benefits related to winning a scholarship you may not have considered.

10. The odds are in your favor. This scholarship is only available to rising juniors and above attending colleges in Washington State who want to become CPAs. Historically, that has meant that roughly 25% of applicants received an award. The Foundation is also awarding over 70 scholarships this year; more than any previous year. But you have to play to win. That means having a completed application submitted by 11:59 pm on February 14.

9. Validation from members of the profession. Scholarship reviewers are WSCPA members and represent firm administrators, CPAs, and educators across Washington State. Winning a Foundation Scholarship gives you the confidence of knowing that practicing professionals in your field think you have what it takes to be a CPA all-star.

8. Invitation to the Foundation Winner Reception. Scholarship winners receive an invitation to an exclusive reception in May with Foundation donors, board members, and our volunteer application reviewers. These donors and volunteers represent Big 4 firms, prestigious mid-size and local companies, and industry professionals. You can look at our list of our named scholarship sponsors for a peek at companies represented.

7. Recognition. Students also have the opportunity to be recognized as a Foundation Scholar at their school's spring accounting banquet. That makes for a solid conversation starter with the firms in attendance.

6. Time is money. Past scholars tell us the scholarship funds allow them to work less and devote more hours to BAP, volunteer service, studying for their CPA exam, or interning to gain valuable experience.

5. To make your parents proud. You can lessen their financial burden if they are supporting your tuition and give them more evidence that they raised a thoughtful and ambitious kid. They may even be so grateful that they send you to Cabo on spring break with the money they saved. We’re not making any promises, but it could happen.

4. Keep more of your earnings after you graduate. The average Class of 2016 graduate has $37,172 in student loan debt; up six percent from last year and the average student monthly loan payment is $351. Reducing your student loan debt means you get to keep more of your hard-earned money, for the next 10 years of your career!

3. Because “Washington CPA Foundation Scholarship Winner” looks good on a resume. So does “WSCPA Member”. Speaking of …

2. Winners earn a yearlong WSCPA student membership. That means you get access to over 7,800 members who care about you and your chosen career path. Student members receive dining, shopping, and travel deals with the WSCPA Passport Corporate card (more savings!); enjoy more networking opportunities; receive discounts on CPA review courses; and more!.

1. But seriously, did we mention the scholarship is worth $5,000?

Convinced? Click here to start or finish your application. Remember, the deadline is 11:59 pm on February 14!

Monette Anderson is the WSCPA Manager of Student Initiatives. You can reach her at manderson@wscpa.org.

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