Accounting Careers Awareness Program (ACAP-Ohio)

The first ACAP-Ohio program was held in July 1996 and was designed as an innovative career development program specifically for minority high school students. ACAP-Ohio is co-sponsored by the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA), the Ohio Society of CPAs and the Ohio State University. This week-long campus residency program was developed to give minority students an opportunity to explore careers in accounting and business. In ACAP-Ohio's 11 year history, close to 400 minority students have participated in the program.

Goals and Objectives

Attracting minorities to the CPA and business profession and business careers is an important issue for NABA and The Ohio Society of CPAs. ACAP-Ohio's three main goals are:

1. Encouraging minority students to acquire the educational background they need to major in accounting or business at a college or university,

2. Promoting career awareness through the use of minority role models allowing students to learn about opportunities in accounting and business, and

3. Involving Ohio's business leaders, career guidance counselors and parents through their contributions and volunteer time.

Through ACAP-Ohio's efforts, participating students receive the educational enrichment experiences and practical help they need to prepare for university level programs and professional business careers. ACAP-Ohio is working to change the face of business to meet the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.

Target Audience

The target audience for ACAP-Ohio consists of minority students who are sophomores, juniors and seniors in high school.

Implementation and Execution

ACAP-Ohio is an annual program, funded by professional organizations and business leaders throughout Ohio. The ACAP-Ohio faculty is all volunteers from NABA and the community at large, and employees of The Ohio Society of CPAs.

Students who are selected to participate in ACAP-Ohio receive free tuition, room and board, books, materials, tours and mentoring. Because there is no cost to the student, corporate and foundation sponsorship is critical. ACAP-Ohio is promoted to students through brochures and posters distributed to high school guidance counselors, churches, libraries, and civic and youth organizations. In order to be accepted into the program, students are required to complete an application, obtain one letter of reference and attach a 100-word essay on why they want to be part of the ACAP-Ohio program.

During the five days of ACAP-Ohio, students attend a variety of business and college preparatory workshops and are introduced to topics such as accounting, finance, economics, computer technology, and business management. Minority business leaders share their experiences, provide tips for success and discuss educational opportunities. Students also witness accounting first-hand through tours of local CPA firms and companies in the private sector. An integral part of ACAP-Ohio is creating opportunities for participating students to be mentored by minority CPAs and accountants. The program concludes with a banquet for students, parents, speakers and corporate sponsors.

Results and Evaluation

Each year, approximately 40 minority high school students are chosen to attend ACAP-Ohio. Student evaluations of the program have been extremely positive. Students concurred that they were better prepared for the college experience and they were better equipped to make decisions regarding their careers. Students also reported a greater understanding of basic accounting and business principles and possible career options within those fields.

A total of 387 students have participated in ACAP-Ohio since its inception in 1996. The most recent survey results show that 90 percent of the respondents have gone to college or are planning to go to college upon graduation from high school. Of those who are currently enrolled in college, 69 percent are majoring in accounting, business or management.

How To Become Involved With ACAP-Ohio

To Become Involved with ACAP-Ohio, please contact Janna Thomas or Edwin Jones.