Volunteer as a Scholarship Reviewer for the Washington CPA Foundation

By Benjamin Warren

Last year, the Washington CPA Foundation Scholarship program received over 230 applications, around 50 more than previous years. With additional scholarship opportunities available this year, the Foundation expects just as many applications if not more. The selection process relies on volunteers to review and score applications and, as the number of applications increases, so does the need for more volunteers. If you’re passionate about strengthening the accounting pipeline by encouraging the growth of a diverse and talented pool of future CPAs while giving back to your community, please consider volunteering as a scholarship reviewer. 

Volunteers are accounting professionals including current or retired CPAs, educators, and industry professionals along with hiring managers and firm recruiters. The review process is done in two rounds spaced out over a five-week period starting in mid-February. During that time, volunteers spend an average of 15-20 hours reviewing 30-35 scholarship applications (15-17 per round). There is a training session to familiarize volunteers with the review process and 1-on-1 support is available throughout the process. A timeline is included below that provides additional information. 

• Virtual Reviewer Training (Friday, February 7, 12:00-1:00pm PT): This is where we show you how to use the review platform and provide context for the review criteria and how applicants should be scored. If you cannot attend live, the training will be available to watch on demand. There is a mandatory quiz that reviewers must complete during the training or before the review process starts. 
• Round 1 Review (February 14-March 3): We deep dive into all the applicants and look at résumés, transcripts, and merit. Plan to spend about 15-20 minutes reviewing and scoring each application. We do ask you to finish half of your assigned applications by February 25, so we can adjust if needed (CPAs do thrive on deadlines). 
• Round 2 Review (March 7-March 21): We’ll cut out the bottom 1/3 of candidates, shuffle up the reviews, and reassign applications. This review round consists of the essays and letters of recommendation. Expect to spend another 15-20 minutes per application. This round is utilized to gauge motivation, non-academic merit, and financial need (as Round 1 has already established merit). 
• Foundation Reception (TBD: possibly May 16, 6:00-9:00pm, Bellevue): Reviewers are invited to take part in our Foundation Reception to meet scholarship winners, other reviewers, Foundation board members, and contributors. Not mandatory, but a fun, exclusive networking event.

The scholarship review process does fall during “busy season,” so we understand that this commitment may not be an option for everyone. Reviews are completed through a secure, online portal, giving volunteers the opportunity to score applications from anywhere at any time. For those who do have the time or are interested in learning more, please reach out to Benjamin Warren at bwarren@wscpa.org. Sign up today and help us make a difference!