COAP Application Process Underway

Members Encouraged to Support Minority Recruitment Program

By Sanjay Paranandi

The Career Opportunities in the Accounting Profession (COAP) program is now recruiting students for its 1999 residency program, which exposes minority high school juniors to careers in the business world. The NYSSCPA encourages its members to support the program by recommending students and by contributing funds.

COAP centers around a week-long college residency. Sponsored by the NYSSCPA, FAE, academia, and the profession, the program is now in its 12th year and includes sessions at Pace University in Westchester and Hofstra University on Long Island. Students participate in workshops that cover topics such as finance and accounting, computers, and verbal communication skills. Participants also attend field trips to local public accounting, industry, and government offices.

Following the residencies, COAP sponsors ongoing sessions that provide students with support systems necessary to succeed in their college and business careers. These include a fall homecoming event and a one-day session that features workshops on choosing a college, applying for financial aid, and other helpful topics.

For metropolitan New York area students, the 1999 program will take place at Pace University's Pleasantville campus June 27 through July 1, and Hofstra University will host its program for Long Island students June 26th through June 30th.

COAP selects participants based on GPA, extracurricular activities, and an interview with the program's advisory board members. There is no cost to the students to attend.

In addition to NYSSCPA funding, donations from individuals, accounting firms, and corporations support the program. To contribute, send tax-deductible donations to COAP, c/o NYSSCPA/FAE, 530 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10036-5101.

If Society members know students who would like to apply to COAP, they should contact Sanjay Paranandi as soon as possible at (212) 719-8364, (800) 633-6320, or sparanandi@luca.com. He also can provide information for NYSSCPA members interested in volunteering as residency session faculty and field trip hosts. *