Minority students are encouraged to apply to the AICPA’s 2020 Accounting Scholars Leadership Workshop 

NEW YORK (December 3, 2019) – The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) encourages qualified students to apply for the 2020 Accounting Scholars Leadership Workshop (ASLW) being held May 13-15 in New Orleans.

The annual workshop, now in its 26th year, is an opportunity for minority college accounting students who plan to pursue the CPA designation to strengthen their professional and networking skills and increases their understanding of the career possibilities, while at the same time bolstering the pipeline of minority members of the profession.

“The working population is growing increasingly diverse, with studies showing the U.S. will be a minority majority nation within 25 years. The accounting profession needs to be mindful of those trends and continue to make strides diversifying our pipeline of talent,” said Kim Drumgo, director of diversity and inclusion for the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants and vice chair of the AICPA National Commission on Diversity and Inclusion.

“We know that diverse organizations out perform their non-diverse competitors, and younger professionals, including millennials and Gen Z, want to work in diverse organizations. ASLW helps show minority accounting students the career opportunities they’ll gain from earning their CPA licenses.”

The U.S. Census projects that minority populations will comprise more than 50% of the total population in 2045, with the largest growth being among multiracial individuals.

During the three-day program, students explore what it means to be a CPA, how their backgrounds and experience can add value to the profession and network with practicing CPAs. Sessions cover business etiquette, interviewing and presentation skills and CPA exam preparation.

The program is open to sophomore, junior, senior, 5th year or graduate students for the 2019-20 academic year majoring in accounting, finance or tax and intending to pursue the CPA credential. Applications will be accepted through January 20, 2020.

The ASLW is an all-expenses paid event, with the AICPA Foundation covering the cost of attendees’ transportation to/from the workshop location, hotel accommodations, training experience and meals.

More information about the program, as well as instructions to apply, are available at thiswaytocpa.com. 

This is one of several programs from the AICPA to help promote diversity and inclusion in the profession. The Accounting Inclusion Maturity Model is a tool to help organizations assess and measure their diversity and inclusion efforts. The George Willie Scholarship and Internship program offers students a scholarship and an internship during tax season with one of the AICPA’s Private Company Practice Section member firms. And the AICPA Scholarship Award for Minority Accounting Students, part of the AICPA Legacy Scholars program, provides funding to outstanding minority students studying accounting.

For more information on the ASLW and the AICPA’s Diversity and Inclusion programs, email diversity@aicpa.org.

About the American Institute of CPAs

The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) is the world’s largest member association representing the CPA profession, with more than 429,000 members in the United States and worldwide, and a history of serving the public interest since 1887. AICPA members represent many areas of practice, including business and industry, public practice, government, education and consulting. The AICPA sets ethical standards for its members and U.S. auditing standards for private companies, nonprofit organizations, federal, state and local governments. It develops and grades the Uniform CPA Examination, offers specialized credentials, builds the pipeline of future talent and drives professional competency development to advance the vitality, relevance and quality of the profession.

About the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants

The Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (the Association) is the most influential body of professional accountants, combining the strengths of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) to power opportunity, trust and prosperity for people, businesses and economies worldwide. It represents 657,000 members and students across 179 countries and territories in public and management accounting and advocates for the public interest and business sustainability on current and emerging issues. With broad reach, rigor and resources, the Association advances the reputation, employability and quality of CPAs, CGMAs and accounting and finance professionals globally.