By Emily Hopkins, Manager, Pennsylvania CPA Foundation

The Pennsylvania CPA Foundation has wrapped up another remarkable year, and we're excited to share a sneak peek here of our 2023-2024 Annual Report. This past fiscal year has been one of growth, innovation, and impactful work, particularly in our advocacy for future CPAs.

The mission of the Pennsylvania CPA Foundation is to inspire and support future CPAs as they embark on their professional journeys. Despite the many challenges that have arisen in recent years, the field of accounting is evolving with new opportunities for students to leverage their unique skills and aptitude for technology in their education and career. The Foundation’s efforts to enhance the accounting pipeline and support CPA candidates have been more crucial and effective than ever.

Inspirational Stories and Achievements

In the Annual Report, you’ll discover stories of perseverance and success that demonstrate the Foundation’s impact. From high school career days to scholarships and innovative programs, the Foundation has reached over 9,000 students and educators through various events and resources. These efforts not only promote the profession but also provide essential support and inspiration to those pursuing a CPA career.

Meet the Faces Behind the Mission

New this year, our report features video messages from our dedicated leaders, including Mike De Stefano, the 2023-2024 Foundation Board chair, who reflects on the incredible progress made over the past few years. You'll also get to meet Pam Baker, our incoming 2024-2025 chair, and the rest of the board members through a short video slideshow. These leaders are at the forefront of driving the Foundation's mission forward.

High School Career Awareness Programs

One of the standout highlights of the past year has been our high school career awareness programs. Events like Accounting Career Days have successfully engaged nearly 1,000 students, transforming their perceptions of the accounting profession. These events provide students with firsthand insight into the diverse pathways and opportunities within accounting, significantly boosting their interest in pursuing this career path.

College Student Support and Scholarships

Our commitment to supporting college students is stronger than ever. The Student Ambassador program, which has expanded to include 51 ambassadors in 42 colleges, plays a crucial role in promoting the benefits of PICPA membership and the accounting profession. Additionally, over $210,000 in scholarships were awarded to deserving students, ensuring they have the financial support needed to achieve their CPA dreams.

Dual Enrollment and Advocacy Initiatives

The Dual Enrollment program, introduced this year as a pilot program in partnership with Outlier.com, has been a significant success. Eighteen high school students from various regions enrolled in an online "Intro to Accounting 1" course, gaining valuable college credits and a head start in their accounting education. Furthermore, our advocacy efforts, including CPA Awareness Week and the National Pipeline Advisory Group, have focused on addressing the challenges within the profession and ensuring a robust pipeline of future CPAs.

Future Plans and Continued Growth

Looking ahead, the Pennsylvania CPA Foundation is committed to driving innovation in programming, empowering students with knowledge and resources, and enhancing member engagement. Our goal is to establish ourselves as leaders in the profession, offering guidance and support at every stage of the CPA journey. We are also dedicated to broadening our outreach and securing funding to sustain and expand our impactful programs.

Join Us in Our Mission

As we celebrate the achievements of the past year, we invite you to join us in our mission to inspire and support future CPAs. Your involvement and support are crucial to our continued success. Check out the full Annual Report to learn more about the incredible work being done and how you can be a part of shaping the future of the accounting profession. For general information on the Foundation and to make a donation to our ever-growing efforts, visit the Pennsylvania CPA Foundation page on PICPA’s website.

Get ready to be inspired by the stories, achievements, and plans that highlight the Pennsylvania CPA Foundation's unwavering commitment to fostering the next generation of CPAs.

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