BDO USA Announces 2026 AICPA Foundation Legacy Scholarship Winners

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  • 10 accounting students received BDO-funded scholarships through the American Institute of CPAs Foundation for the 2026-2027 school year.
  • BDO’s contributions went towards two scholarship programs, supporting 10 accounting students at different education stages and reinforcing the firm’s commitment to being a premier developer of people.
  • This initiative is championed by BDO Counts, the firm's social impact program, and supports its Education & Literacy cause area.


CHICAGO, August 25, 2026 – BDO USA, one of the nation’s leading accounting and advisory firms, today announced that, in conjunction with the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) Foundation, 10 students received academic scholarships for the 2026-2027 school year. The firm's contribution funded two scholarship programs, providing financial assistance to accounting students at various stages of their academic journeys. This initiative is championed by BDO Counts, the firm’s award-winning social impact program. 

With a blend of nationwide programs and local service initiatives, BDO Counts is employee-driven and centers on four cause areas chosen by its people: Children & Youth, Education & Literacy, Human Rights and the Environment. Through the Education & Literacy cause area, BDO aims to drive equal educational and economic opportunities by supporting initiatives like the AICPA Foundation Legacy Scholarships. This investment helps students access the resources and support needed to succeed in the accounting profession.

At BDO, we aim to be a premier organization for professional growth by fostering a culture of continuous learning and development. By providing opportunities for accounting students to advance academically and professionally, we’re nurturing the future leaders in our industry — ultimately building a stronger profession together.
Cathy Moy
Chief People Officer of BDO USA

Recipients were selected by the AICPA Foundation with support from volunteer judges, including CPAs and other industry professionals. In addition, students were invited to a BDO information session to learn more about the firm, its culture and future opportunities as they continue their career path. Scholarships were awarded through two BDO-supported programs: the BDO USA AICPA Foundation Scholarship for Future CPAs, which helps outstanding accounting students pursuing a CPA license after graduation, and the BDO USA AICPA Foundation Two-year Transfer Scholarship, which assists students transferring from a two-year college to a four-year institution to complete an accounting-related degree.

I want to extend a huge congratulations to these amazing students. Together with the AICPA Foundation, BDO is proud to support this next generation of accounting professionals, and I can’t wait to see all they accomplish in the years ahead.
Chad Gabriel
BDO USA Social Impact Senior Director

The 2026 scholarship recipients include:

  • Hannah Banks
  • Sarrah Beaver
  • Cade Burke
  • Paulina De Leon
  • Julie Kim
  • Kenneth Ozanich
  • Martha Pierre-Louis
  • Maria Lourdes Savella
  • Skylar Walters

Learn more about these scholarships and BDO's commitment to positive social impact. 

At BDO, our purpose is to be the people you count on to grow with confidence and achieve what matters most. Our professionals provide assurance, tax and advisory services for a diverse range of clients across the U.S. and in over 160 countries through our global organization. We are proud to be an ESOP company, inspiring an ownership mindset that enables our collective success. 

BDO is the brand name for the BDO network and for each of the BDO Member Firms. BDO USA, P.C., a Virginia professional corporation, is the U.S. member of BDO International Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, and forms part of the international BDO network of independent member firms. For more information, please visit: www.bdo.com.

The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) is the world’s largest member association representing the CPA profession, with a history of serving the public interest since 1887. The AICPA sets ethical standards for the profession, attestation standards, and U.S. auditing standards for private companies, not-for-profit organizations, and federal, state, and local governments. It develops and grades the Uniform CPA Examination, offers specialized credentials, partners across the profession to build future talent, and drives continuing education to advance the vitality, relevance, and quality of the profession. For over a century, the AICPA Foundation has supported individuals through scholarships and fellowships in an effort to support the next generation of CPAs.