PwC Bermuda is serious about developing young Bermudians into world-class accountants and business professionals.
To that end, the company awards several annual scholarships to candidates who exhibit a distinct acuity for the field – and these awards make all the difference for the students who win them.
In 2025, Kayla-Marie Redcliffe, Zuri Swan and Nikia Matthews, all 18, were the successful winners of the annual awards.
Ms Redcliffe secured the PwC Peter Mitchell Scholarship, a renewable annual scholarship worth $20,000 per annum.
She described winning the scholarship as one of the greatest achievements in her academic career so far. She is currently progressing through a degree in accounting at the University of Miami – go ‘Canes!
Ms Swan earned the Abic Award, a renewable annual scholarship worth $15,000 which can be renewed for a maximum of two years at undergraduate level, or for one year at the postgraduate level (which is worth $20,000).
Ms Swan said: “Winning this award has been significant. It has eased the financial burdens of university costs for both my family and me.
“Beyond the financial support, it has helped me connect with professionals at PwC who have provided valuable industry insights and guidance as I pursue my career goals.”
A recent graduate of the Berkeley Institute, Miss Swan will continue her education at St John’s University this fall, where she will study accounting and risk management.
“I hope to pursue my goals of earning my CPA designation and returning to Bermuda to begin my professional journey in the industry.”
Getting a HeadStart
PwC Bermuda also provides avenues for young Bermudian scholars to get that vital experience in the local industry through its HeadStart programme. PwC has been hiring students since the inception of this auspicious programme, providing training to more than 125 Bermudians in that time.
The programme integrates students into the firm, provides support and exposure where it counts, and offers an authentic entry point into the global accounting infrastructure.
A PwC spokesperson said: “The HeadStart programme mission is to identify, train and develop Bermudian students and provide Bermudians with scholarships, training and mentorship to springboard their careers in the financial services industry.
“Through HeadStart, we have a focused development programme aimed at enabling capable Bermudian associates to progress through to manager and eventually to partner in our firm. In our programme, we currently have 22 HeadStart employees at various levels.”
HeadStart also provides full financial support for the completion of formal studies to successful candidates, as well as up to 120 paid study leave days during their initial four-year training contract.
The programme has seen more than 100 Bermudian graduates hired full-time since its inception, while more than 75 more Bermudians have successfully trained with PwC, and then entered the international and local business sectors.
Furthermore, up to 15 internships/co-ops are offered to Bermudian students annually through the programme, as well as more than $75,000 in scholarship funds. The HeadStart programme also covers 100 per cent of CPA exam costs, including study leave.
As apart of their scholarships, both Ms Redcliffe and Ms Swan will get a placement in PwC’s internship/co-op programmes, which offer invaluable work experience during the summer.
They will be guaranteed a position to work full-time with the firm after graduation in the associate program, while PwC will also support them throughout their pursuit of their professional designation.
Nikia Matthews won the 2025 ABIC Award for Bermuda College Study, a $5,000 bursary designed to support Bermudian students as they work through the local academy of tertiary learning.
She said: “Winning this award has had a significant and positive impact on my educational journey – it has reinforced my commitment to academic excellence.
“I am entering my second year studying business administration, and plan to continue my studies at a university of my choice, with the goal of pursuing a CPA certification, and a professional career in the field.”
Ms Matthews advised future PwC award applicants: “Believe in yourself, stay focused and strive for excellence – dedication and hard work will lead to endless opportunities.”
