March 2000

COAP Application Process Under Way

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 2000 residency, which will expose minority high school juniors to business careers. The NYSSCPA encourages its members to support the program by recommending students and contributing funds.

Sponsored by the NYSSCPA, FAE, academia, and the profession, COAP is now in its 13th year, with sessions at Pace University in Westchester and Hofstra University on Long Island. During the weeklong summer residency, students participate in workshops covering topics such as finance and accounting, computers, and verbal communication skills. Participants also attend field trips to local public accounting, industry, and government offices.

For metropolitan New York area students, this year's program will take place June 25­29 at Pace University's Pleasantville campus. On June 24­28, Hofstra University will host its program for Long Island students. 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.

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.

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 Recruitment Specialist Sanjay Paranandi as soon as possible at (212) 719-8364, (800) 633-6320, or sparanandi@nysscpa.org. *