In a city of millions, how can every action make a difference?

Working together to transform the future of Atlanta

As Atlanta continues to grow, leaders from across the city are working together to ensure an equitable recovery. Programs have launched to bring tools and resources to underserved communities, make education more accessible for students, build stronger, safer neighborhoods and, ultimately, create a community that gives people of all backgrounds the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) has taken a leadership role in working with local governments, business leaders and entrepreneurs to drive positive change. Partners and senior managers from EY US serve on nonprofit boards throughout metro Atlanta, and EY US employees at all levels are contributing their time and talents to help others.

Through programs with United Way, Boys & Girls Clubs, Cristo Rey and Junior Achievement USA, the EY US Atlanta office provides a variety of opportunities to its employees to help support the local community.

In Atlanta, EY US has been a top 15 corporate donor for United Way and has raised over $5.6 million for the organization over the past five years, helping to tackle complex issues, such as the digital divide, to drive sustainable positive change to help our community thrive. EY US Atlanta Office Managing Partner Glenn Mitchell serves on the board for United Way of Greater Atlanta and has led the way in promoting this service-driven culture that encourages team members to seek out opportunities to give back.

Through a unique EY skills-based volunteer program called College MAP (Mentoring for Access and Persistence), EY US Atlanta professionals have spent the past three years working with select groups of juniors and seniors at Henry W. Grady High School, conducting monthly sessions on post-secondary education, obtaining scholarships and financial literacy.

EY US has also facilitated campus tours to the University of Georgia, Spelman College, Morehouse College and Florida A&M University, among other nearby institutions. The Atlanta office has awarded over $72,000 in scholarships through College MAP, says EY US Consulting Senior Associate Marion Boyd, who facilitates the relationship with College MAP. The firm is honored to have watched 99% of College MAP Scholars graduate from high school.¹

Junior Achievement USA² is a nonprofit whose mission is to inspire and prepare young people to succeed. EY US volunteers take part in work readiness programs, teaching financial literacy and entrepreneurship programs designed to empower students’ economic success. JA Launch Lesson has conducted 8,000 classes and reached 217,900 students in more than 20 countries around the world. These programs are designed to support inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

“We live in a remarkable time in which we have unimagined tools, knowledge and skills at our disposal, and if we better utilize these, we can address many of the world’s toughest social and environmental challenges,” says EY Global Chairman and CEO Carmine Di Sibio.

“I’m incredibly proud of the impact our EY people are having in the Atlanta community,” says Mitchell. “Through skills-based volunteerism, nonprofit board membership and financial contributions, we are truly making a difference in people’s lives, which in turn helps the economy here and makes Atlanta a better place to live, work and raise a family.”