Drumroll, please! INCPAS is thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2026–27 Indiana CPA Educational Foundation scholarships!
These scholarships—funding that helps grow and diversify our accounting pipeline—are made possible by generous donors like you. Because of your support, 14 new and returning recipients were awarded a combined $20,500 in scholarships this year.
This year’s recipients include first-year college students and those pursuing a master’s degree. All meet the Foundation scholarship’s strict criteria, including maintaining a 3.0 GPA, staying actively engaged with the Society, and executing a clear plan to pursue the CPA credential.
Without further ado, let’s meet the incredible students you’re supporting.
2026–27 New College Scholarship Recipients
These seven individuals represent the bright future of our profession, building their foundations across Indiana’s top accounting, finance and business programs.
- Olayinka Awosika: graduate student, Indiana University Bloomington
- Max Carmody: graduate student, Indiana University
- Rebecca Dick: sophomore, Indiana Wesleyan University
- Shawna Ford: senior, University of Southern Indiana
- Olivia Fry: freshman, Saint Mary’s College
- Aatish Hans: junior, Indiana University Indianapolis
- Anveer Mann: freshman, Indiana University Bloomington
2026–27 Returning Scholarship Award Winners
The hard work and dedication of four of our previous scholarship recipients has unlocked another year of funding. Congratulations to these returning scholarship recipients who can keep their career dreams moving forward!
- Adam Hernandez: junior, Purdue University
- Jordan Hess: senior, Indiana University Indianapolis
- Guillermo Ruesga Jr.: senior, Marian University
- Ethan Timpe: senior, Indiana University
Ranging from first-generation college students and non-traditional adult learners to highly motivated underclassmen, these scholarship recipients are a remarkable group of driven, community-minded problem solvers who see accounting as far more than just crunching numbers.
“To me, accounting is not just about numbers,” shares Max Carmody, who is pursuing his master’s degree at Indiana University. “It is about people, faith and building a better tomorrow through good information and wise action.”
This group of rockstars also shares a unified goal: earning their CPA to build a foundation of trust, stability and service. Whether they aspire to protect everyday investors through public auditing, guide small businesses and nonprofits, or eventually step into corporate CFO roles, they view the CPA credential as a powerful tool to uplift their communities and secure a stable future.
“As I began researching the profession, I noticed a common thread among individuals in positions I aspired to: they all held the CPA designation. That realization made the CPA more than just a credential to me; it became a symbol of the level of discipline, technical knowledge and credibility I wanted to achieve,” said Olayinka Awosika, a graduate student at Indiana University Bloomington.
2026–27 CPA Exam Scholarship Recipients
Earning the degree is just the first step. That’s why the Indiana CPA Educational Foundation, in collaboration with ALPFA Indianapolis and the Greater Indianapolis Chapter of NABA Inc., is proud to present CPA Exam scholarships to help alleviate the burden of out-of-pocket testing costs.
Congratulations to the following candidates as they work to cross the finish line and earn their CPA license:
- Olayinka Awosika: graduate student, Indiana University Bloomington
- Aatish Hans: junior, Indiana University Indianapolis
- Giselle Pablo: graduate student, Purdue University
These three go-getters plan to earn their CPA licensure within the year. Thanks to our members’ generous contributions, they won’t have to carry the entire financial burden of CPA testing fees alone, which can quickly add up to thousands of dollars. Tthe average cost of the CPA Exam is roughly $1,500, assuming candidates pass all four sections on their first try. However, when you add on study courses and licensing, the realistic out-of-pocket cost jumps to $2,500–5,000.
According to Inside Public Accounting, while firms often cover the cost of the CPA Exam, it’s never a guarantee. Research shows that more than 73% of the surveyed students relied on some form of external financial support, proving that targeted scholarships directly impact a student’s ability to cross the CPA finish line.
Help Us Keep the Pipeline Growing
Each year, these scholarships are a success story for the recipients, for the Society and for the profession as a whole. Supporters like you continue to make these stories possible. Make your mark on the profession with a contribution to the Indiana CPA Educational Foundation. Your gift will make a substantial difference in a student’s life and make you an active partner in growing Indiana’s CPA workforce.
Interested in applying or know someone who should? If you or someone you know is pursuing a career as a CPA, scholarship opportunities will be available again for the 2027–28 academic year. Learn more about eligibility, application deadlines and how to apply here.
