/PRNewswire/ - What positive change can you make in your community with $5,000 in start-up money? That's the question PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) recently asked business students from colleges across the country, giving them the opportunity to submit project proposals, receive funding and implement their ideas. Nineteen of the best proposals were selected and hundreds of students -- supported by their peers and partners and staff from PwC -- this week launched those service projects in communities from coast to coast.

The initiative, called "Project Make [it] count," builds on the success of a firmwide program PwC introduced last year, which asked partners and staff to submit their ideas for service projects that would positively impact the marketplace, people, community or environment. The best suggestions were adopted and given funding for implementation. The results of the program and an overwhelmingly supportive response from people across the firm encouraged PwC to expand the effort externally.

PwC recently invited teams of business students from nearly 50 schools across the country to focus on an issue, cause or project that is important to them, then create plans to implement their ideas using up to $5,000 in seed money provided by the firm. PwC offered guidance and local office partners and staff to support each of the selected projects, enabling students to collaborate with people at the firm in a meaningful way to give back to the community.

Winning schools and projects included:

• Michigan State University for providing much-needed literacy resources and training for an elementary school that will serve as the English Language Acquisition Center (ELAC) for an entire district where the population of English as a Second Language (ESL) kids is growing exponentially.


• Babson College, the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the Ohio State University for separate projects teaching elementary and middle school students about sustainability, best practices for recycling and energy efficiency.


• Rutgers University for renovating and refurnishing a safe house for women and children who are victims of domestic violence.


• University at Buffalo for refurbishing the largest shelter in the United States for refugees from around the world seeking asylum and searching for a new start in life.


• Baruch College for using e-reading tools and renovating a playground to reinvigorate an after-school program for underprivileged children.


• University of Washington for creating a "mock city" that enables underprivileged youth to experience and develop appreciation for occupations critical to effective societal function.


• University of Maryland for developing a safe and fun fitness program for physically and developmentally challenged children and young adults.

"Students have told us they appreciate opportunities to make a lasting difference at their schools and in their communities, and their creative project ideas really reflect that," said Amy Thompson, U.S. campus recruiting leader, PricewaterhouseCoopers. "The dedication and enthusiasm exhibited by all of the teams really energized the program and inspired others to get involved."

"Project Make [it] count is all about responsible leadership," added Holly Paul, U.S. recruiting leader, PricewaterhouseCoopers. "Through Firm-sponsored efforts like these, we're connecting with students to show how one individual or small group can make a difference and inspire others to take action. Collectively, we can make an indelible impact on children and our communities."

To learn more about Project Make [it] count, visit Channel 4 on www.pwc.tv.

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 PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP or, as the context requires, the PricewaterhouseCoopers global network or other member firms of the network, each of which is a separate and independent legal entity.

© 2010 PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. All rights reserved.

PricewaterhouseCoopers

PricewaterhouseCoopers

PwC firms provide industry-focused assurance, tax and advisory services to enhance value for their clients. More than 161,000 people in 154 countries in firms across the PwC network share their thinking, experience and solutions to develop fresh perspectives and practical advice. See pwc.com for more information.

© 2011 PwC. All rights reserved. "PwC" and "PwC US" refer to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership, which is a member firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited, each member firm of which is a separate and independent legal entity.

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