Central Ohio minority professionals encourage students to accomplish future goals
ACAP-Ohio program introduces real-world business strategies and awards scholarships
(COLUMBUS, June 18, 2009) – For six days next week, Ohio’s top minority high school students will team up on a fun project that will test their problem-solving and marketing aptitude and introduce them to minority professionals who will help them explore what they want to be when they grow up.
These events are part of the nationally recognized Accounting Careers Awareness Program (ACAP-Ohio) which will be held June 21-26 at The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business.
Now in its 14th year, ACAP-Ohio gathers Ohio’s top minority students and connects them with successful minority professionals who mentor them on college and career choices while they learn about the business world and compete for college scholarships.
The program is presented by The Ohio Society of CPAs in conjunction with The Ohio CPA Foundation, the Society’s charitable affiliate, and Ohio chapters of the National Association of Black Accountants.
During ACAP-Ohio, students will participate in workshops ranging from selecting a college to entrepreneurship and opportunities in accounting. The sessions are led by executives from public accounting firms and major companies including Ernst & Young LLP, Honda of America Manufacturing and JPMorgan Chase.
Students also work with peers to prepare and present business case studies and visit local businesses to see strategies at work in the real world. This is a connection that Edward E. Dudley, a CPA and minority business owner, said is critical in motivating students to visualize a successful future.
“ACAP-Ohio helps minority students see firsthand what they can accomplish as adults,” Dudley said. “In my entrepreneurship workshop, I tell students that I grew up in an economically disadvantaged neighborhood, but by attending college and working hard, I built a successful career that helps people achieve their personal goals.”
Dudley, who is President and CEO of LED Consulting, Inc. in Columbus, a specialty tax practice, helped launch the first ACAP-Ohio program and has been a committed volunteer since day one.
“A lot of students think accounting is mostly about math,” Dudley said, “But when I show them how much strategic problem solving is involved, many will later tell me I influenced their decision to study accounting.”
During the program’s closing banquet and awards ceremony, students are recognized in front of their families for achievements earned that week and several receive college scholarships.
ACAP-Ohio closing banquet
When: Friday, June 26, 12:30-2:00 p.m.
Where: Columbus State Conference Center (ballroom)
315 Cleveland Ave.
Columbus, OH 43215
For more information, or to attend, please contact Karen West at kwest@ohio-cpa.com or 614.806.1118
The Ohio Society of CPAs, established in 1908, represents more than 23,000 CPAs in business, education, government and public accounting. The Ohio Society’s members not only meet statutory and regulatory requirements as CPAs, but also embrace the highest standards of professional and ethical performance. This is achieved through ongoing professional education, comprehensive quality review and compliance with a strict Code of Professional Conduct.
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LAST UPDATED 6/19/2009