EY College MAP program reaches record number of graduates in 2015, awards close to half a million dollars in scholarships and expands to four new cities

97% of program graduates this year have been accepted into a 2-year or 4-year college and EY professionals will mentor students throughout their higher education experience

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Jun 30, 2015, 11:53 ET

NEW YORK, June 30, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Ernst & Young LLP announced that a record 350 underserved high school students graduated from its College MAP (Mentoring for Access and Persistence) program this year and 97% will attend two-year and four-year colleges in the fall. The firm awarded close to half a million dollars in scholarships to these students this year and 100% have received federal or state financial aid. The firm also expanded the program to four new cities this year – Minneapolis, MN; Raleigh, NC; St. Louis, MO; and Washington, DC, in partnership with McLean, VA – bringing the total to 30 locations offering College MAP.

In addition, recognizing the difficulty underserved high school students face in earning a bachelors or associates degree, this year the firm also launched the College MAP Collegian program to support college students who completed the College MAP program during their high school years. The goal of this component is to make certain that once students enter the pipeline of higher education, they are able to thrive and complete college. Many EY mentors are themselves familiar with the obstacles that face underserved high school students. In fact, about one-third of the personnel of Ernst & Young LLP in the US are first-generation college graduates, including Gary Belske, EY Americas Senior Vice Chair and Chief Operating Officer of the US firm. Their personal experiences, their passion, and their commitment are evident in every aspect of the program.

"Lack of higher education is the single biggest contributor to unemployment for young people," said Deborah K. Holmes, EY Americas Director of Corporate Responsibility. "The College MAP program strives to reduce youth unemployment by helping underserved students achieve their dream of not only getting into college, but graduating as well."

The College MAP program began in 2009, with the non-profit College for Every Student, to help young adults ages 16 to 24 connect with opportunities that can prepare them for financial success and a rewarding career. The program assists students in navigating the college application and financial aid process while providing students with access to academic resources and exposing them to the lifelong benefits of a higher education. College MAP implements a curriculum that aims to keep students engaged, challenged, and focused on preparing for college. Since College MAP launched, over 1,025 students have graduated from the program.

"College For Every Student is honored to partner with EY in College MAP over the last six years," said Rick Dalton, CEO and President of College For Every Student. "What EY has accomplished in helping low-income students move to and through college is extraordinary, and a model program for businesses and corporations across the globe."

Notes to Editors

Read about EY's three-year commitment to expand the College MAP program through the Clinton Global Initiative.

Learn more about EY's Corporate Responsibility efforts.

For future updates around EY's commitment to youth employment please visit: www.ey.com/youthjobcreation.

About EY
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This news release has been issued by Ernst & Young LLP, an EY member firm serving clients in the US. For more information, please visit ey.com.

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