The Southern Methodist University (SMU) Cox School of Business proudly hosted the 15th annual Accounting Career Awareness Program (ACAP) in 2015. This impactful week-long initiative was organized by the Dallas-Fort Worth chapter of the National Association of Black Accountants, Inc. (NABA), aiming to cultivate interest in accounting and business fields among high school students.
Fifty-six ambitious high school students, accompanied by their counselors, immersed themselves in the academic environment of the Cox School. The program provided a comprehensive introduction to diverse career paths within accounting, finance, and the broader business world. ACAP’s core mission is to establish a clear pathway for students to pursue higher education, enter the accounting profession, and ultimately contribute to the business community. The program’s success is evident in its fifteen-year history, having positively influenced 664 students in Dallas, including the enthusiastic participants of 2015. NABA’s guiding principle, “Lifting as We Climb,” perfectly encapsulates the spirit and objectives of the ACAP program.
Nora O’Garro, the founder and dedicated program director of Dallas ACAP, emphasized the profound meaning of “Lifting as We Climb” for ACAP. She stated, “It is what I believe we should have a desire to do. Dallas ACAP has allowed me to fulfill my desire to expand opportunities to underrepresented minority high school students to the accounting and other related business fields. It has been such a rewarding endeavor when I witness the results of the students we have impacted. This is reflected when we get invitations and/or announcements of their graduation from college with their undergraduate and master’s degrees and when they become CPAs in one of the best career fields available.”
The ACAP 2015 program culminated in a celebratory banquet, highlighting the tradition of career coaching and mentorship. The keynote address was delivered by Frank Ross, a distinguished founder of the National Association of Black Accountants. Ross acknowledged the significant impact of Dallas ACAP over the past fifteen years, stating, “I am truly honored to participate in the Dallas 2015 Accounting Career Awareness Program. Dallas ACAP has touched, in a positive way, so many high school students over the past 15 years. It truly is the type of program that was envisioned when the first ACAP was started in Seattle, Washington.”
The 2015 Dallas ACAP cohort was composed of 31 young women and 25 young men, representing approximately four dozen high schools across Texas, Arkansas, Florida, and Oklahoma. These academically promising students maintained an impressive average GPA of 3.5. Odell Brown, Executive Director of Dallas ACAP, reported that of the 600+ alumni, “approximately 80 percent have gone on to college to major in accounting or other business-related disciplines. The other 20 percent were undecided or majored in other disciplines,” showcasing the program’s effectiveness in guiding students toward business careers.
Dallas ACAP provides valuable hands-on learning experiences. These included an executive roundtable dinner, facilitating networking between students and industry professionals for career insights. A collaborative capstone project challenged students to develop their own businesses, offering opportunities to win cash prizes and foster entrepreneurial skills. Furthermore, students gained firsthand exposure to corporate environments through tours of major firms like PwC and Thomson Reuters. SMU professors also provided engaging sessions on accounting, finance, marketing, and management, offering a glimpse into university-level business education. Crucially, participation in ACAP was tuition-free for selected students, made possible through the generous financial support of Dallas ACAP.
About SMU Cox School of Business
The Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University, established in 1920, is a leading institution for business education. Named after benefactor Edwin L. Cox in 1978, SMU Cox offers a comprehensive range of highly-ranked programs from BBA to MBA and specialized Master of Science degrees, along with Executive Education and certificate programs. The school is renowned for its unique resources and centers, including the Business Leadership Center, Caruth Institute for Entrepreneurship, and Maguire Energy Institute, fostering a rich learning environment and a strong global alumni network.
About Dallas ACAP
The Accounting Career Awareness Program (ACAP) in Dallas is a key initiative of the National Association of Black Accountants, Inc. (NABA), supported by the Dallas/Fort Worth Professional Chapter. ACAP serves as a vital program for high school students, promoting diversity and inclusion within the accounting and business professions.
