COAP Inspires Future Accountants

IMGCAP(1)]I believe that opportunity provides an open door to a limitless future. I also believe that every young person—no matter their race, gender, orientation or disability—should be afforded the exposure to these opportunities.

This summer, I am proud to support the Career Opportunities in the Accounting Profession (COAP), a program of the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants' education foundation. This important effort recruits promising young students into the accounting profession, one of our country's most rewarding career paths.

New college graduates with accounting degrees are enjoying an unprecedented level of demand from companies and public accounting firms. The Bureau of Labor Statistics—in its 2012- 2013 Occupational Outlook Handbook—says  the market for accountants and auditors is expected to grow 16 percent during the next seven years; representing almost 200,000 new jobs..

Since 1987, COAP has offered more than 3,200 minority high school juniors in New York State the chance to learn about business-career opportunities during a week-long curriculum at local colleges and universities. The students—through their interactions with successful role models and a carefully-tailored curriculum—are afforded an intimate look at accounting as a career choice.

Through field trips to corporations, accounting firms and government agencies, they are provided firsthand exposure to the business world and networking opportunities in most major cities across New York State.

This summer, 11 programs are taking place in Brooklyn, Syracuse, Manhattan, Queens, Albany, Buffalo, Rochester, New Paltz, White Plains and Staten Island. Each program is staffed by volunteers from the NYSSCPA, the professional association for more than 29,000 CPAs residing and practicing in New York.

As a lifelong New Yorker and a beneficiary of many mainstream education opportunities, I cherish and am committed to creating engaging learning opportunities that nurture our state's young citizens. I believe the COAP program provides a real and lasting impression on our students looking to shape their future. Their success becomes our success.

David A. Paterson was the 55th Governor of the State of New York and is the Honorary COAP Advisory Board Chairman.

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