Cheltenham Students Participate in Different Type of Summer Camp

Almost three dozen Cheltenham High School students are participating in a different type of summer camp this week: the National Association of Black Accountants’ (NABA) Accounting Career Awareness Program (ACAP). The one-week, residential program at Arcadia University helps students grow in financial fluency, time management, and organizational and communication skills.

Established in 1980, ACAP introduces high school students to careers in accounting, finance, business administration, entrepreneurship, emerging technology and corporate leadership through guest speakers and presentations. Students receive instruction in accounting fundamentals and financial literacy and grow in skills development like communication, leadership and teamwork. They visit corporate sites to gain exposure to industry professionals, and the mentorship and networking opportunities they offer. This year’s corporate visits are to KPMG and PwC.

The program features a case competition on Thursday night, the capstone activity for the week. Students are placed into groups to work together during the week, and must activate time management and teamwork. The case allows students to act as entrepreneurs, solve business problems, make important business decisions, create marketing strategies, and read financial statements. The student groups present their business cases before a panel of judges, and a monetary prize is awarded to each participant on the winning team. 

Friday features a closing ceremony at 10 a.m. to mark the students' growth.

Students gain this unparalleled opportunity for growth without financial burden. Tuition, housing, books, materials, and NABA student membership are fully sponsored by NABA Inc., making this transformative experience accessible to all.

The goals of the program are to increase representation and leadership in accounting and finance professions; provide professional development and career advancement resources; establish corporate and academic partnerships that strengthen workforce pipelines; and promote financial literacy and business leadership competencies.

Founded in 1969, NABA is a national professional association dedicated to advancing business leaders in accounting, finance, and related fields. NABA supports students, emerging professionals, and experienced executives through professional development, networking, scholarships, leadership training, and corporate partnerships.