From academic scholarships to outreach initiatives, donations to the CPA Endowment Fund of Illinois support a diverse range of programs that remove financial barriers, provide vital resources, and give aspiring CPAs the opportunity to succeed.
Explore the programs below and consider making a gift to strengthen our general programming or contact us to learn more about creating a lasting legacy through your own named fund.
A variety of scholarships, up to $4,000, support students at different stages of their academic journeys. Awards are available for upper-level and graduate accounting students focused on becoming CPAs, community college students committed to pursuing accounting careers, and high-achieving high school seniors preparing to major in accounting.
These awards reimburse up to $1,000 in CPA exam fees, providing critical financial relief and a boost of confidence and motivation at a pivotal point in the licensure journey—helping candidates stay on track to complete the CPA credential.
This program provides students with reliable laptops to support their coursework, internship searches, and early career opportunities—ensuring technology is not a barrier to success.
Student Influencers receive scholarships in exchange for helping promote the accounting major and CPA credential on their campuses. They strengthen faculty relationships, share information about resources, and increase visibility for the profession among their peers.
Named Funds
These funds were established by generous donors to create a lasting legacy and support generations of aspiring CPAs. Each fund reflects a unique story and purpose, helping students from diverse backgrounds on their path to becoming CPAs.
This fund, created in 2004 by members of the Illinois CPA Society’s Women’s Executive Committee, supports scholarships for female senior or graduate accounting students at Illinois colleges who demonstrate strong academic performance and leadership qualities.
Established by Ed Ortiz and Jovencio Mangahas to support accounting students and professionals pursuing the CPA credential. This fund provides additional CPA Exam Award Program scholarships.
Created in honor of Herman Neal to recognize his commitment to expanding educational opportunities for African Americans. This fund supports academic scholarships for junior, senior, and graduate accounting students at Illinois colleges who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and financial need.
Established in memory of James Sikich, founder and former CEO and Managing Partner of Sikich LLP, to honor his leadership and commitment to opening doors of opportunity for students. This fund provides additional support for academic scholarships.
Created by Marian Powers and Belverd Needles Jr., this fund provides laptops to Mary T. Washington Wylie Internship Preparation Program scholars who need reliable technology to complete their studies, secure internships, and begin their careers.
Established by Lester McKeever Jr. to honor Mary T. Washington Wylie, the first African American woman to earn the CPA credential. This fund supports scholarships and opportunities that advance her legacy and strengthen the accounting profession.
Established by Surendra Daga to inspire and support accounting students and professionals pursuing the CPA credential. This fund provides additional support for CPA Exam Award Program scholarships.
Illinois University-Based Named Fund Programs
Established by Arthur Wyatt to support academic scholarships for graduate-level accounting students at the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, where he served as a faculty member for many years.
Established by Kenneth Hull to support academic scholarships for accounting students at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
Established by Belverd E. Needles Jr., William B. Snow, and Ernest R. Wish, in partnership with Ledger & Quill and DePaul University. This fund supports the Success Through Scholarship program for undergraduate accounting students at the university.
