The Experience, Learn and Earn (ELE) program, designed to offer an affordable way for CPA candidates to obtain their final 30 hours of the education requirement, has more than doubled its enrollment since its launch in January, The Journal of Accountancy reported.

Sponsored by the AICPA and the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA), and offered through Tulane University's School of Professional Advancement, ELE now has 94 summer-session students, representing more than 50 employers. The first cohort of 38 students completed their first year in April.

In addition to providing an affordable way for CPA candidates to complete the 150-credit hour requirement for CPA licensure, ELE also allows them to earn a living and gain experience at a firm. Individuals who have completed their bachelor's degrees and core accounting classes are eligible for ELE. The program works as follows:

● Accounting graduates join an ELE-affiliated employer as a paid staff member;

● Program participants earn up to 30 university credits through online courses, with firms agreeing to provide time during the week for course work in a balanced, flexible way;

● Credit-hour costs are set at affordable rates, with some employers picking up the tab for their staff;

● Participating employers are expected to provide support and mentoring to help program participants work toward their CPA license; and

● The program is open to all employer types, including not-for-profits, for-profit businesses, and government entities.

The curated course list has more than 15 courses, with more to come as the program expands.

"The ELE program is a win-win for both the employee and the employer," NASBA president and CEO-elect Daniel Dustin said in a news release. "Employees gain the necessary coursework to meet the education requirement to become licensed as a CPA, and the employer can work with the employee on course selection to develop skill sets that benefit the employee and the firm."

One firm, PKF O’Connor Davies, currently has seven employees in the summer session and expects a similar number in the fall semester, said Jennifer Niece,  the firm’s learning and development manager, in the news release.

"We were excited about the program because it provides flexibility for participants to take as many classes as they need in a very cost-effective manner,” she said. "The asynchronous, online format makes it easy to complete classes around their work schedule."

Participants are a mix of recent college graduates and people who have been with the firm for a few years, added Niece.

Thursday is the deadline for employers interested in participating in the fall. More information about ELE is available at experiencelearnearn.org. Questions or comments can be directed to feedback@experiencelearnearn.org.