Smithfield, RI — Bryant University announces the launch of the PwC AI in Accounting Fellowship program, funded by a $1.5 million investment from accounting firm PwC US and its partners who are Bryant University alumni. This cutting-edge experiential learning initiative offers undergraduate students a unique opportunity to explore the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on the accounting profession.
The fellowship will empower PwC AI in Accounting Fellows to engage in a variety of hands-on learning experiences, including research with faculty, internships, corporate-sponsored projects, and professional development activities that blend traditional accounting principles with AI-driven tools and platforms.
“Aligned with our Vision 2030 strategic plan and our commitment to experiential learning and academic excellence, the fellowship also builds upon PwC’s longstanding relationship with Bryant University,” said President Ross Gittell, Ph.D. “This strong partnership supports institutional objectives and includes the annual PwC Accounting Careers Leadership Institute for rising high school seniors, the PwC Endowed Scholarship Fund, the PwC Book Fund, and the PwC Center for Diversity and Inclusion.”
According to Bob Calabro ’88, a Bryant University trustee and PwC US partner who helped to spearhead the development of the program, the PwC AI in Accounting Fellowship represents PwC’s commitment to investing in the next generation of accounting professionals who will be at the forefront of technological innovation.
“We are excited to introduce students to the many opportunities available to them in the accounting field and to prepare them to make the most of those opportunities, This program further illustrates the strong relationship between PwC and Bryant University, where so many of our partners and staff began their career journey in accounting” said Calabro.
Beyond providing financial support, PwC US partners and employees will actively engage with fellows through campus outreach, site visits to PwC US’s offices, and career development programming. Each fellow will also be paired with a PwC US mentor, offering personalized guidance and industry insights throughout their fellowship experience.
Enhancing AI Education
The PwC AI in Accounting Fellowship empowers Bryant students to customize their educational journey, equipping them to explore AI’s profound impact on accounting. Fellowship funds can be applied to a variety of educational resources, such as conference fees, specialized data sets, software, and travel, enabling students to hone skills essential for the future of the profession.
“Bryant is committed to aligning its curriculum and learning opportunities to the changing business landscape,” said Rupendra Paliwal, Ph.D., Provost and Chief Academic Officer, Bryant University.
“This fellowship will not only enrich our students’ academic experiences but also position them as leaders in an emerging area of expertise, which is becoming increasingly vital to the future of the accounting profession.”
Fellows will work closely with accounting faculty to create personalized learning plans that bridge academic theory with real-world application. This support fosters a deep understanding of AI’s current and future roles in accounting.
“Bryant’s Accounting faculty are excited to work with our PwC AI in Accounting Fellows to help them develop impactful research projects and create important experiential learning opportunities,” said Professor Daniel Ames, Ph.D., Chair of Bryant’s Accounting department. “This program provides an invaluable opportunity for students to apply AI concepts to real-world accounting, shaping their educational journey in significant ways.”
The first cohort of PwC AI in Accounting Fellows will be awarded to members of the Bryant Honors Program planning to study accounting. The selection process will be highly competitive, emphasizing academic excellence and potential contributions to the accounting and AI fields. Fellowship funds will provide ongoing support throughout the students’ four years at Bryant, promoting continuous academic and professional development.
About Bryant University
For more than 160 years, Bryant University has been at the forefront of delivering an exceptional education that anticipates the future and prepares students to be innovative leaders of character in a changing world. The university delivers a uniquely integrated academic and student life experience with nationally recognized academic programs at the intersection of business, liberal arts, and health and behavioral sciences.
Located on a 465-acre contemporary campus in Smithfield, R.I., Bryant enrolls approximately 3,800 undergraduate and graduate students from 38 states and 49 countries. Bryant is recognized as a top 1% national leader in student education outcomes and regularly receives high rankings from U.S. News and World Report, Money, Bloomberg Businessweek, Wall Street Journal, College Factual, and Barron’s. Bryant.edu
The Vision 2030 strategic plan sets an exciting trajectory for Bryant University, an institution committed to transformational learning experiences, exceptional outcomes, and developing passionate, purpose-driven leaders. Vision 2030 priorities include an ecosystem of academic excellence, vibrant student life, community and belonging, and economic mobility for all. Vision2030.Bryant.edu
About PwC
PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers) is a global network of firms delivering world-class assurance, advisory, and tax services. With offices in 152 countries and over 328,000 people, PwC helps organizations and individuals create the value they are looking for by delivering quality in audit, tax, and advisory services. PwC is committed to building trust in society and solving important problems by helping clients meet the challenges and opportunities of the modern world.
