Creating access by reaching out to the community

BBuilding on a successful first year, Gies is once again sponsoring the Accelerated Careers Awareness Program (ACAP), formerly the Accounting Careers Awareness Program, for underrepresented high school students in Illinois.

“Increasing access is necessary to bring more diversity into the profession,” said Justin Leiby, associate professor of accountancy and academic director of the accounting bachelor’s and master’s programs. “This summer program is an important first step in developing future Black business leaders by giving them exposure to accounting and other businessrelated careers and empowering them to make informed career and education choices. Naturally, we hope to see a lot of these students choose Gies down the road.”

The week-long summer residency program July 17-21 is expected to draw students primarily from Chicago-area high schools and Rockford. The goal is to continue to expand its reach by attracting more learners from central and southern Illinois.

The students are encouraged to dig into the content, develop interpersonal skills, network, and improve their financial literacy, according to Assistant Director of Academic & Student Services Dionna Harper, who is developing the content for the program.

Gies Assistant Professor Andrea Rozario will lead a week-long case competition judged by faculty, pharmaceutical company Abbott will share an overview of the business world, and the Office of Undergraduate Admissions will explain the college application process.

“What we found most surprising is that as young as they are, they genuinely want to learn about creating a budget and developing personal wealth goals. They also were curious about starting salaries for different jobs,” said Harper. “Some students already know they’d like to be an accountant while others are here to explore whether a business major is the right fit for them.”

VITA offers support to underserved taxpayers

Accountancy students are using their skills to give back to the community each spring through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Gies again partnered with with Salt & Light, a nonprofit organization, to serve more than 500 unique taxpayers, including 25 Afghan refugees who recently relocated to the Champaign-Urbana area.

This is the second year VITA has received a grant from the IRS to assist with administrative tasks, so students and faculty members can focus on expanding the program’s reach. Of those providing demographic information this spring, 78% come from underserved populations, 25% have disabilities, and 5% have limited English speaking capabilities.

“I have the opportunity to be thanked repeatedly by taxpayers who are so grateful for the services that Gies students provide,” said Lisa Sheltra, Director of Community Engagement at Salt & Light. “They often talk about how pleased they are with the results they got, and how kind and accommodating the students are.”

Instructor of Accountancy Mandi Alt leads the program, partnering with seven faculty members to oversee 28 students prepare and file tax returns.

“The students receive certification, along with participating in a classroom component,” said Alt. “It’s a good resume builder. They tell us this real-life experience gives them an advantage as they look for internships and entrylevel positions.”