Ashley Pacheco and Michae Skinner have been announced as recipients of annual scholarships awarded by PwC Bermuda, the accounting and professional services firm.

Ms Pacheco, who attends Dalhousie University, is winner of the Peter Mitchell Scholarship, worth $20,000 annually.

Ms Skinner, who attends Mount Saint Vincent University, in collaboration with Bermuda College, is winner of the PwC ABIC Award Scholarship, worth $15,000 annually for two years.

Damian Cooper, partner, PwC Bermuda, and leader of the HeadStart programme, said: “Congratulations to our 2022 awardees Ashley and Michae. They have each demonstrated academic strength, leadership and a well-rounded school career.

“Our Peter Mitchell Scholarship and PwC ABIC Award Scholarship are a key part of PwC’s HeadStart programme.

“The benefits of a scholarship from PwC go far beyond providing young Bermudians with financial assistance for university education. We help students with career development through mentoring, and the opportunity to join the firm through one of our programmes.”

Ms Pacheco is pursuing a bachelor of commerce, accounting at Dalhousie and hopes to return to PwC as an associate accountant as she studies to complete her CPA.

She said: “My parents are extremely hard workers and work tirelessly to provide for my siblings and me. Winning this scholarship means so much more than I can explain.

“Not only is it a huge financial aid, but I am so pleased to make my parents proud and happy. I look forward to gaining valuable knowledge and experience at PwC through the HeadStart programme.”

Ms Skinner is pursuing a bachelor of business administration with a focus in accounting at Mount Saint Vincent, and has been interning in the international business sector.

She will join PwC’s HeadStart internship next summer and hopes to start her career at PwC as she works towards completing her CPA designation.

Ms Skinner said: “Through the HeadStart programme I will have the opportunity to start my career journey and gain exposure to the financial services industry.

“Winning this scholarship alleviates any financial concerns I have about completing my degree and allows me to focus fully on my studies.”