CSRwire - NEW YORK, June 15 /PRNewswire/ -- PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) today announced the graduation of its inaugural class of Impact Scholars, 49 academically talented African-American high school students who completed a year-long program that helped them navigate the rigorous college planning and financial aid process and gain admission into some of the nation's premier colleges and universities, including six Ivy League schools. Many of the scholars will be the first generation of their families to attend college. PwC launched the Impact program last year in the New York City and Washington, D.C., metro areas as part of the firm's diversity initiatives and corporate responsibility commitment to youth leadership.

Graduation from the Impact program culminates a series of monthly workshops that provided tools and strategies for broadening the students' education and career choices. Each scholar was paired with a dedicated professional from PwC who served as his or her mentor and as an experienced resource throughout the program. The curriculum was developed in conjunction with experienced teacher, administrator and advisor, Dr. Thomas A. Eppley, Jr.

"We are extremely proud of our inaugural Impact scholars. Their dedication to the program and motivation to succeed in school and beyond is a strong testament to these rising leaders," said Charlotte Coker Gibson, Impact program manager. "Their success demonstrates that exposure to the right information, career role models and mentors can play a critical role in shaping future talent for the marketplace."

Notable achievements of the inaugural class of Impact scholars include:

• The respective groups from New York City and Washington, D.C., were each accepted into nearly 60 schools, including Harvard University, Princeton University, Brown University, Cornell University, Dartmouth College, the University of Pennsylvania, Amherst College, Barnard College, Emory University, New York University, Franklin & Marshall College, Oberlin College, Bates College, Colby College, Spelman College, Swarthmore College and the University of Virginia, among others.

• Out of 42 financial aid awards received to-date by New York scholars and 36 financial aid awards received to-date by Washington, D.C., scholars, the average packages are $26,000 and $18,000, respectively.

• Two early decision applicants in each market will receive 100% of their financial need.

"Impact opened my eyes, heart and mind to possibilities that I wasn't sure existed," said Jelisa Grant, an Impact scholar from New York City headed to Dartmouth College in the fall on a merit scholarship. "It not only broadened my awareness of academic options, provided me the knowledge and support to navigate the application and financial aid process, but it also helped me learn more about myself and challenged me to reach for my fullest potential."

Originally launched in New York City and Washington, D.C., last year, PwC created the Impact program as part of its broader corporate responsibility commitment to motivate, educate and develop the next generation of youth leaders. The program has since expanded into Philadelphia and Boston, where the initial groups of scholars there will graduate next spring. Impact scholars are selected through a competitive application process on the basis of academic backgrounds, strong standardized test scores, demonstrated leadership skills, extracurricular activities, essay responses and in-person interviews. For more information about the Impact program, visit: www.pwc.com/impact.

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 155,000 people in 153 countries across our network share their thinking, experience and solutions to develop fresh perspectives and practical advice.

"PricewaterhouseCoopers" refers to the network of member firms of PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited, each of which is a separate and independent legal entity.

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.

More from PricewaterhouseCoopers