PwC has been a committed supporter of BestPrep for decades. Nearly 30 years ago, Ken Wise, retired PwC partner, was introduced to BestPrep, when he expressed interest in learning more about a community-based nonprofit focusing on helping students reach their potential. Early on, the firm’s employees began volunteering by presenting and speaking with students in classrooms, covering topics including taxes, budgeting, and careers in accounting.
Como Park student practices his interview skills with PwC volunteer
More recently, over the past nine years, PwC has participated in and supported BestPrep’s eMentors program. PwC’s volunteers have mentored almost 350 students, providing them with real-world experience and knowledge about how to succeed in school, career, and life.
The firm’s commitment to the program goes beyond volunteerism. Two years ago, thanks to a Reimagine Grant from the PwC Charitable Foundation, BestPrep developed a new segment of the program: eMentors for Financial Literacy, providing a mentor/student experience focusing on decision-making when making purchases. In addition, the PwC Charitable Foundation helped to fund an online portal for students and mentors to communicate through, which is now the hub of the eMentors program.
Kimball High School students meet their PwC mentors at the Meet & Greet
PwC employees have also volunteered with BestPrep’s other programs, serving as classroom speakers for Classroom Plus and Financial Matters; mock interviewers, committee members, and Resident Business Leaders with Minnesota Business Venture; essay judges for the Stock Market Game; and Business Partners and Company Coordinators with the Technology Integration Workshop.
PwC has been a leader in developing financial literacy and tech curriculum, benefitting schools and students from across the country. According to Brad Zastoupil, Partner at PwC and BestPrep board member, “There’s a growing gap between those who have access to opportunity and those who don’t, and at PwC, we’re working to help make sure that gap doesn’t continue to widen. I am extremely proud of the engagement of our employees in BestPrep programs and appreciate what BestPrep does to help position students for success.”
PwC volunteers have contributed to BestPrep’s history. Its commitment to providing students with business, career, and financial literacy skills brings us closer to achieving our vision that every Minnesota student is college-prepared, work-ready, and career-bound. Hats off to PwC for its fantastic support!