By Molly Ryan Kowaleski, content & community manager

A new OSCPA opportunity in the greater Cleveland area might be a game changer for underrepresented high school students interested in business and accounting.

The Careers in Professional Accounting Camp (CPA Camp) will be held July 22-24 at Cleveland State University. It is free for attendees, thanks to the generous support of The Ohio CPA Foundation.

“It’s great that we’re going to be at Cleveland State because the Monte Ahuja College of Business is very committed to diversity and inclusion,” said Jasmine Abukar, Manager of Diversity & Inclusion at OSCPA, “and their campus is in a very convenient location where we’re able to access the business and finance sector downtown easily.”

In addition to touring and attending workshops on campus, students will visit real accounting firms and experience what working at a local business is like. They’ll also interact with local accounting professionals and other students from the greater Cleveland area.

“It’s extremely important that we offer an introduction to accounting and business, while also equipping our students with the knowledge and leadership skills they need to succeed in college and beyond,” said Abukar.

Students will leave with and be able to build upon a solid foundation in business and leadership. The program is specifically designed to support underrepresented students – such as students of color, the first in their family to attend college, students with disabilities and LGBTQ students – but all are welcome to apply.

“We are interested in leadership potential,” said Abukar, “and we want our students to be highly academically motivated, which is not the same as having a high GPA. We are looking for students who want to learn and are committed to exploring a career in business or accounting.”

CPA Camp is a brand-new program this year and grew out of a goal to engage with high school aged audiences outside of Columbus, where many of OSCPA’s student programs typically occur.

ACAP-Ohio, or the Accounting Careers Awareness Program is the original summer camp funded through The Ohio CPA Foundation. It has a highly competitive application process, which means some of Ohio’s best and brightest high school students barely miss the cut. By creating another program, OSCPA is extending its reach both in number and regional scope, Abukar said.

Applications are open now at ohiocpa.com and students are encouraged to apply before May 31.

OSCPA is still looking for a few member volunteers to speak with the students and help chaperone the groups throughout the day. If you’re interested in serving as a mentor and meeting with Ohio’s future business leaders, contact Jasmine Abukar via email or by phone at 800.686.2727.