Accounting students Charlie Jackson and Makeda Bridgewater are the recipients of scholarships from KPMG in Bermuda.

Mr Jackson has been awarded the KPMG Scholarship valued at $20,000 annually for up to three years.

Ms Bridgewater has been awarded the Frontier Scholarship valued at $15,000 annually, also for up to three years.

The KPMG scholarships are an important aspect of KPMG’s Lift Off Program and provide Bermudian university students with financial assistance towards the completion of an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in an accounting or business-related subject.

Mr Jackson said: “I have always enjoyed problem solving and working with numbers. Both of my parents work in financial services and my father is an accountant.”

Ms Bridgewater said: “Receiving this scholarship symbolises what can be done through hard work, perseverance and an incredible support system both personally and professionally.”

KPMG said the scholarships also provided guaranteed internships with KPMG and an invitation to join the firm on graduation.

The scholars will also take part in KPMG’s Global Advantage Program. The GAP is an interactive four-day leadership development programme for top university students seeking a career with KPMG.

During the programme, students experience development training, a leadership skills workshop led by KPMG’s managing directors and recruiting leaders, networking with 100-120 international students from many different countries, experience historical/cultural activities and interaction with a selection of KPMG’s clients.

This year’s event took place in Copenhagen, Denmark, and was attended by more than 120 interns from five countries.

In congratulating the winners, Steve Woodward, managing director, KPMG in Bermuda, said: “They can both look forward to a great future and a fantastic career with KPMG when they graduate from university. We also really appreciate the support from Frontier in funding their scholarship and in continuing to promote the development of the accounting profession in Bermuda.”

Derek Winch, CEO of Frontier Financial Services Limited, said: “We are proud to do our part to help talented Bermudians, like Makeda, to continue their education and achieve their professional goals and we remain grateful in working with KPMG in this endeavour.”