New initiative elevates CLA’s commitment to education and career development
Minneapolis, MN – Feb. 6, 2025 – Today, CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP) announced the CLA Foundation is providing a total of $2 million in funding to develop the next generation of accounting and professional service leaders and spark further exploration of trade careers. CLA is committed to strategically elevating careers in the U.S. by supporting organizations investing in meaningful change in the way we train and attract future professionals.
On behalf of the CLA Foundation, the two organizations that received these significant funds are:
- Scholarship America, an organization dedicated to eliminating financial barriers for students, received $1.5 million. Aligned with CLA’s educational pillar, Scholarship America will distribute $15,000 scholarships across the firm’s office locations nationwide. Through these scholarships, CLA and Scholarship America will work collaboratively to focus on higher education, recruitment, mentoring and internship initiatives.
- SkillsUSA, the leading workforce development organization for students, received $500,000. Aligned with the CLA Foundation’s employment pillar, SkillsUSA will create practical learning opportunities within CLA’s office communities to support career development in construction, manufacturing, agribusiness, and other industries — focusing on life-sustaining alternate career pathways.
“CLA is deeply committed to creating careers and opportunities here in the U.S. We believe in creating jobs in the U.S. and paving new pathways to our profession. These grants are going directly to organizations at the front lines of addressing not only the accounting, financial services and digital solutions pipeline, but the need to build up our trades as well,” said Jen Leary, CEO of CLA. “By creating educational opportunities across the board, we are furthering our leadership role in advocating for our profession and making a difference in the communities where we live and work.”
Since 2015, the CLA Foundation has supported forward-thinking organizations across the U.S. focused on advancing education and job skills. CLA serves the heartbeat of our country, supporting individuals, communities, and industries that power the economy. Creating scholarships in CLA locations through Scholarship America not only helps deserving individuals reach their accounting and finance career goals — CLA leaders are also on tap to provide mentorship opportunities. With SkillsUSA, CLA is leaning into providing opportunities in the many industries it serves.
“Education and career development are impactful drivers of growth, and we are thrilled to support two esteemed organizations that share our vision for strengthening communities through expanded access to resources,” said Paul Bailey, Chief Growth Officer for CLA. “The CLA Foundation donations are so much more than financial support. Scholarship America and SkillsUSA are directly creating opportunities to help us build the educational pipeline that will impact the industries we serve.”
Since its inception, the CLA Foundation has granted more than $13 million to professional and educational development in communities nationwide. The Foundation does not accept external grant proposals; all nominations originate from CLA family members and support the mission of connecting diverse networks to create career opportunities through education, employment and entrepreneurship.
About CLA
CLA exists to create opportunities for our clients, our people, and our communities through industry-focused wealth advisory, digital, audit, tax, consulting, and outsourcing services. With nearly 9,000 people, more than 130 locations, and a global vision, we promise to know you and help you. CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP) is an independent network member of CLA Global. See CLAglobal.com/disclaimer. Investment advisory services are offered through CliftonLarsonAllen Wealth Advisors, LLC, an SEC-registered investment advisor.