Minneapolis, MN - July 7, 2009 – The National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) Minneapolis – St Paul Chapter will sponsor its 3rd Annual Accounting Career Awareness Program (ACAP) July 19-24, 2009, at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities Campus. ACAP is a week-long residency program developed to increase the number of diverse individuals pursuing careers in the accounting and finance fields. ACAP will host 45 high school students from the Twin Cities greater metropolitan area as part of this program.
The Minneapolis – St Paul Chapter of NABA launched the high school program in 2007. The program started with 13 students. In 2008 the program grew to 31 students, and in 2009 there will be 45 high school student participants. “The interest in ACAP has been overwhelming. The program really pushes the students, and they know it. The word of mouth of students sharing their experiences with their friends has really helped NABA to grow the program” notes Nana Ahwoi, NABA Minneapolis – St Paul Chapter President and a Senior in the Advisory Service Practice at Ernst & Young LLP.
This is the second year that the Accounting Career Awareness Program will be hosted at the University of Minnesota. NABA continues to develop its partnership with the University of Minnesota. “NABA is pleased with the beginnings of our partnership with the Office of Equity and Diversity and The Carlson School of Management.We are excited about the future possibilities of developing deeper, lasting partnerships with the University of Minnesota” says Ahwoi.
As part of the program, the ACAP students participate in a week-long case study competition, and the winning team splits over $5000 in scholarship funds. Additionally, over $6000 of scholarship funds are awarded to various ACAP participants. Upon completion of the 2009 ACAP program, approximately $26,000 of scholarship funds would have been awarded over its 3 year existence.
The program also includes trips to corporate sites ranging from a half day to a full day. The 2009 corporate visit will be to Cargill, KMPG, Medtronic, Ernst & Young and General Mills. Presentation topics include maneuvering the college application and financial aid processes, acting as an ethical business leader and building your personal brand. Our corporate sponsors also include AXA Financial, Deloitte, and GE Capital Fleet Services.
The program is entirely free to the student participants. Funding of program expenses, including scholarships, is provided by local companies.
“Cargill has valued our partnership with NABA on ACAP over the last three years. We have received very positive feedback from the student participants and have stayed in touch as they have started their collegiate experiences. This year we are poised to hire students from the inaugural ACAP session into our intern class. It truly is a great program” notes Thad Standley, Organizational Effectiveness Manager for the Finance Function at Cargill.
When asked for any comments about the ACAP program, a graduating participant wrote: “I really enjoyed the program and I hope the next year’s students really take advantage of its benefits. A big thank you goes out to all those who made it possible.”
About NABA:
Since 1969, the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA), Inc. has been the leader in expanding the influence of minority professionals in the fields of accounting and finance. The Minneapolis-St Paul Chapter provides professional development, service and social opportunities to members in the greater Twin Cities metropolitan area
