Caitlyn Lawrence and Linda Amaral have been chosen as the recipients of the 2017 Peter Mitchell Scholarship from PwC Bermuda.

The renewable scholarship provides Bermudian students currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate programme with $20,000 a year in financial assistance.

In addition, the award provides work experience as well as ongoing career coaching and support.

Ms Lawrence graduated from the University of Greenwich, England, last month and is entering a master’s in forensic audit and accounting programme at the University of South Wales.

Ms Amaral is attending Queen’s University, Canada, where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce degree.

The scholarship is a key component of PwC’s HeadStart initiative, which provides career opportunities to Bermudian university students studying business at the graduate or undergraduate level. It is awarded to students who not only demonstrate academic strength and have a well-rounded school career, but who also show strong character and leadership abilities.

David Gibbons, Human Capital partner and HeadStart leader, PwC Bermuda, said: “I am pleased to offer my congratulations to Caitlyn and Linda. They are outstanding young Bermudians and PwC is proud to give them the right resources and support they need to build rewarding careers.”

As well as excelling in academics, both young Bermudians have dedicated their time to helping their communities — in Bermuda and at their universities.

Ms Amaral works with the Queen’s Kids Commerce association where she volunteers once a week at a local school helping students with reading and writing. In Bermuda, she volunteers with Casa Dos Scores da Bermuda, helping to make malsadas to raise money for various charities and raise awareness of the Azorean culture.

She said: “The professional experience before graduation will give me a great indication of what the industry is like outside of the classroom and will contribute to my work experience in preparation for the CPA designation.

“The mentorship aspect of the scholarship is what really excites me — I have learnt from past intern experiences that the knowledge you gain from a mentor is invaluable.”

Ms Lawrence is involved in several charity events on campus including unicef, the United Nations Children’s Fund. In addition, she is captain of her university netball team.

She said: “This was the first scholarship I came across that included an offer of full-time employment once I have completed my studies. I look forward to developing as a PwC professional and achieving my career goals with the firm.”

In addition, PwC and the Association of Bermuda International Companies have awarded their joint scholarship to Brieanna Samuels and Isaiah Richardson.

Ms Samuels is attending University of the West of England, UK, where she is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business management with accounting.

Mr Richardson is attending St Mary’s University, Halifax, Canada, where he is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business.

Mr Gibbons said: “As our 2017 Abic-PwC Award recipients, we congratulate Brieanna and Isaiah and wish them great success in their careers.

“As awardees, both Brieanna and Isaiah are offered full-time employment and internship opportunities, respectively, and we are confident that they will each make a valuable contribution to our firm and to Bermuda’s international business sector.”

Ms Samuels said: “This scholarship will help me to achieve my academic and personal goals and gain meaningful experience. I appreciate PwC and Abic’s commitment to giving back and I will strive to do the same during my career.”

While Mr Richardson said: “I am looking forward to the learning opportunities available and gaining first-hand experience in a leading accounting firm. I’m also excited to know that I will have built relationships with the people at PwC and will have had experience in the financial services industry before I graduate.”

The Abic-PwC Award for Bermudians studying accounting is valued at $15,000 per annum for two years for an undergraduate, or a $20,000 one-year award for a graduate. Additionally, the Abic-PwC Award for Bermuda College study is worth $5,000 for one year for a Bermudian undertaking the Associate’s business administration programme at the college, with an intention to complete a bachelor’s degree in accounting and obtaining a Canadian or US CPA designation. The awards are granted based on financial need, academic merit and field of study.