**PwC Foundation Expands Social Impact Efforts Across Cyprus**
The PwC Foundation has significantly broadened its contributions to education, entrepreneurship, and community support throughout the 2026 financial year, as reported by PwC Cyprus. The foundation's initiatives are designed to foster social impact across the island, focusing on three primary areas: education and culture, youth entrepreneurship, and community support through its "Offering Our Hearts & Minds" program.
Guided by PwC’s overarching mission to build trust in society and tackle critical challenges through sustained engagement, the foundation has made education a central priority. During FY26, it emphasized equal opportunities, academic excellence, and the development of skills essential for the future workforce. Notably, the foundation awarded 14 scholarships to high-achieving students from the University of Cyprus and the Cyprus University of Technology, based on specific socio-economic criteria. Additionally, it recognized exceptional academic accomplishments across various fields of study.
The foundation has actively supported initiatives aimed at empowering young people, such as "Girls in STEAM" and "TechWeCan," which provide technical skills and exposure to emerging technologies. In conjunction with Global Money Week, PwC volunteers conducted financial education sessions in public schools across Cyprus, reaching 10 schools, 28 classrooms, and nearly 300 students from primary schools, high schools, and lyceums. These sessions focused on practical aspects of money management, financial planning, and responsible decision-making.
Further educational initiatives included partnerships with the Cyprus Institute of Marketing to aid young professionals and experiential programs like "Beyond the Workforce of Today," which prepares students for the evolving job market. The foundation also maintained its collaboration with the Pharos Arts Foundation to enhance cultural and music education opportunities in Cyprus.
Youth entrepreneurship and innovation were also significant areas of focus for the PwC Foundation. Strategic partnerships with organizations such as Junior Achievement Cyprus, the University of Cyprus, and Cyprus Seeds facilitated various programs. One highlight was the "Company Programme," where students aged 15 to 18 develop entrepreneurial skills by establishing their own businesses, transforming ideas into tangible products or services. Participants gain hands-on experience in running a company while receiving mentorship from teachers and business professionals. Additionally, the "Our Community" program introduces younger students to active citizenship and community engagement through experiential learning activities.
A notable achievement was the success of the Cypriot student team, HerShield, from St Mary’s School in Limassol. They represented Cyprus at the JA Europe competition in Riga, securing third place in the JA Europe Company of the Year 2026 category, competing against teams from over 40 countries.
The PwC Foundation has also played a role in supporting the broader innovation ecosystem by sponsoring the annual Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum and contributing to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) at the University of Cyprus. Among the new initiatives launched during the year was the University of Cyprus C4E Summer Academy, which introduced three specialized summer programs aimed at equipping students with advanced knowledge and skills in innovation, technology, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Building on previous successes, the PwC Cyprus Scale Up 3 program is set to launch in September 2026, aimed at fostering the growth of emerging startups.
Community support and volunteerism have remained integral to the foundation's activities, extending its impact beyond education and entrepreneurship. During FY26, PwC employees participated in a blood donation campaign and supported the Movember movement, raising awareness about men's health and wellbeing issues. The "Volunteer Days" initiative saw strong participation for the third consecutive year, with over 350 PwC Cyprus volunteers engaging in 13 activities that supported local communities and charitable organizations throughout Cyprus. The firm also continued its tradition of providing pro bono services and making donations to various non-profit organizations, further enhancing social wellbeing.
Andreas Yiasemides, Chief Executive of PwC Cyprus, emphasized that the foundation's efforts reflect a commitment to creating long-term value for society. "At PwC, we believe that meaningful change is achieved through collective action, long-term commitment, and active participation," he stated. "PwC Cyprus and the PwC Foundation continue to invest in education, entrepreneurship, and community wellbeing, helping create opportunities for people to thrive and contribute to a stronger and more resilient society."
Yiasemides expressed pride in the impact achieved over the past months and reaffirmed the foundation's commitment to supporting initiatives that generate lasting and sustainable value for future generations.