FEATURE INTRODUCING CAREERS IN ACCOUNTING

Money Camp Is Back At Weber State For A Third Year

BY LOISANNE KATTELMAN, CPA

Thissummer, about 35 high school students from all over Utah will gather at Weber State University’s (WSU) Ogden campus to spend the week exploring careers in accounting. These teens are part of the UACPA Money Camp, hosted by WSU.

History

Several years ago, the Utah CPA Foundation sent a survey to UACPA members asking for input on ways to support and promote the CPA profession. In response to the feedback, the foundation committed to support high school outreach programs to address the pipeline issue. Money Camp is the result of a collaboration between the UACPA and Weber State University, with support from numerous accounting firms.

It has been exciting to see Money Camp grow and improve each year. The first camp was originally scheduled for the summer of 2020 but, due to Covid-related restrictions, had to be postponed until 2021. That year, 10 high school students participated in a three-day camp with no overnight stays. In 2022, the number of campers increased to 26 and the camp was extended to four full days with overnight stays in the dorms. To accommodate increased demand for the program, the 2023 camp expanded to 35 students.

Goal Of The Camp

The schedule for the camp includes fun workshops and activities, service opportunities, leadership courses, and presentations from accounting professionals. (See the 2023 camp agenda on page 10). One student who attended the 2022 camp said, “I loved it all! The perfect mix of education and fun!”

At the camp, the kids have a one-of-a-kind experience. They live, eat, learn and play on campus, take classes from college professors, meet industry experts, play games, go on field trips, challenge their skills, and much more. When they go home at the end of the camp, they leave with solid connections with professors, professionals, and other likeminded students; expanded knowledge of the accounting profession; and enthusiasm for the prospect of a grand future in the accounting profession.

The goal of the camp is to educate and also recruit Utah’s youth to the accounting profession. This is accomplished by introducing the field in a fun, interactive way. The students work in groups to solve various problems and experiment with money.

Money Camp Alumni

Students who have previously attended Money Camp are returning as ambassadors to lead first-time attendees. The students pictured alongside Loisanne are

Isabella Romero graduated from the Northern Utah Academy of Math Engineering and Science (NUAMES) this spring and attended the UACPA Money Camp as a junior. The opportunity to attend Money Camp has had a meaningful impact on her and has influenced her career goals. This year Isabella will be assisting in running the camp and is looking forward to a great experience.

Preston West is a graduate of Weber High School. He runs an e-commerce business, is the Goddard School of Business and Economics student ambassador, and is majoring in accounting at Weber State University.

Support From The Profession

Money Camp is funded by the Utah CPA Foundation and generous donations from the following accounting firms: CBIZ, Deloitte, EY, Haynie & Company, Squire, Tanner, UMB and WSRP. Because students do not have to pay for camp, this opportunity is available regardless of their financial situation.

The firms also encourage their employees to donate their time and expertise as volunteers. Last year, 20+ professionals participated in Money Camp.

Initial Result And Looking Forward

Money Camp is an effective way to show high school students the many different (and exciting!) career paths a degree in accounting offers them. The camp is already delivering positive results. Preston West attended the initial 2021 Money Camp and is currently majoring in accounting at Weber State University. He and Isabella Romero, a 2022 camper, are coming back as camp leaders to help with the upcoming 2023 Money Camp.

“We are anticipating an excellent camp this summer,” said Accounting Department Chair James Hansen, “and look forward to many more in collaboration with the UACPA. Our association with this excellent organization has and will continue to benefit Utah students in countless ways.” n

How Students Can Apply

To attend the camp, students ages 15–18 must submit an application, which includes an essay describing their interest in accounting or money-related professions.This year, WSU received 50 applications to the camp, so while not all can attend, those that will be camping in 2023 have high levels of interest in the accounting field.

Loisanne Kattelman, CPA, joined the faculty of Weber State University in 1998 and teaches financial and managerial accounting courses in the Goddard School of Business. She serves on the Utah CPA Foundation board of trustees and is a UACPA Leadership Council member.