Underserved High School Students Build Business Skills from Accounting Program Held at Adelphi

Adelphi University marked its seventh year of hosting the Career Opportunities in the Accounting Profession (COAP), a five-day program where underrepresented students learn about the accounting profession through classes and workshops with the New York Society of CPAs (NYSSCPA) — a non-profit organization representing CPAs throughout New York State. From June 24 through 28, nearly 40 local high school students embarked on a journey filled with activities, events and leaders in the accounting field. Activities ranged from panel discussions, lectures, etiquette dinners and even field trips where students were able to meet Jeffrey Weiner, the CEO of Marcum LLP, one of the largest independent public accounting and advisory services firms in the nation.

COAP participants and volunteers celebrate at the COAP banquet.

Jack Angel, associate professor in the Robert B. Willumstad School of Business, co-chair of the COAP committee and the program’s coordinator, noted that students gained knowledge that will help them in any career field. Students learned how to create a resume, dress professionally, prepare for an interview and obtained tips about ethics and personal behavior for an affordable $30 fee.

“The students get the $30 back so the program is basically free,” said Jack Angel. “Food is provided and so are the dorms.” Students resided in the residence halls to attain college experience. Current Adelphi students and alumni were mentors for the students to deliver positive life tips about a successful college career and transition into the field.

“My mentor gave me very good insight of life at Adelphi,” said Tad Ye, a senior from Brooklyn Technical High School. “I think that really gave me more of a visual understanding and influence of pursuing a career in accounting,”

COAP is beneficial to the surrounding community through supplying young men and women with valuable career information that isn’t serviced in many of the local communities. Arthur Leibowitz, an Adelphi clinical assistant professor who presented a personal finance discussion, said “​I believe it is important for Adelphi to run programs such as these to encourage [underrepresented] high school students to pursue a college education.”

For more information about Adelphi’s Robert B. Willumstad School of Business, visit business.adelphi.edu. Find out more about the COAP program and NYSSCPA at nysscpa.org.