The Accounting Scholars Leadership Workshop (ASLW), is an annual AICPA Foundation-sponsored event, that aims to increase the representation of people in the profession from ethnically diverse backgrounds and underrepresented populations. In addition, it focuses on encouraging and supporting students from diverse backgrounds interested in pursuing a career in accounting and finance.

ASLW exposes students to myriad opportunities within the profession and helps them envision themselves prospering and potentially growing into leadership roles. Participation in the program is enriching, and the benefits of attending are far-reaching. Attendees learn strategies for career growth, networking, developing a personal brand, and creating their path to their dream careers. Panel discussions and speakers offer guidance about licensure options within the profession, including how to acquire them, and provide inspiration for pursuing a rewarding career in accounting and finance.

What to Expect:
Attendees will participate in learning sessions and panel discussions covering a wide array of topics such as developing leadership skills. Students will also have the opportunity to interact with accomplished professionals who will be attending the concurrent Accounting Pipeline Diversity Symposium. The AICPA Foundation and other organization sponsors will cover the majority cost of student attendees’ cost including transportation to/from the workshop location, hotel accommodations, training experience, and meals.

“I gained a strong professional network of motivated accounting professionals and students. The program met and far exceeded my expectations. I learned valuable skills on how to manage my finances, maximize my social media presence to build my brand, leverage my network, and more information on the various careers in accounting." ~ Program participant

“All the speakers made a great impact. Helped me to develop my communication and professional skills. Made me a more effective leader in my school and Internship. Listening to the speakers' life & CPA journey encouraged me to keep on pursuing excellence in my CPA journey. Learned about essential networking skills that I thought I had but opened my eyes to see them in a different way.” ~ Program participant

“The impact was amazing. I left a different person than who I was when I arrived because of the knowledge I obtained during all the workshops and the inspiring people I met. The whole experience was unprecedented. It was one of the best things I have been to. Thank you to everyone involved. I am beyond grateful!” ~ Program participant

“I was inspired to become a CPA. Before attending the conference, I was unsure whether the CPA profession was for me; however, hearing from the speakers about their experiences pushed me to.” ~ Program participant

Eligible applicants must:

• Be a declared accounting major, or have interest in joining the accounting profession
• Be a college freshman, sophomore, junior, senior, 5th year, or graduate student
• Be actively involved in campus and community activities
• Have not attended a past workshop
• Be an ethnic minority (i.e., Black or African American; Hispanic or Latino; Native American; or Asian, etc.)
• Be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident (green card holder)
• Be a Student Affiliate Member of the AICPA. Join as a student member for free at www.thiswaytocpa.com/join-aicpa/
• Name and email address of one reference who has agreed to provide a recommendation on your behalf. Reference must be from a faculty member.

Frequently Asked Questions

If I am graduating in spring/summer 2022, may I still attend the workshop?
Yes: this is an ideal program for recent graduates. This workshop benefits attendees by strengthening networking and communication skills to prepare workplace leaders.

If I have attended a past AICPA Workshop, may I come back?
To enable as many students as possible to have this experience, students who have attended a previous workshop may not attend.

What if I have another obligation (class, work) at the same time as the workshop and still want to attend?
Students are required to attend the workshop for the duration of the entire event. The AICPA will provide your employer or professors with information regarding the content and benefit of your participation in this program.

May I attend if I am already a CPA?
No, those persons who are already CPAs are not eligible to attend as participants.

If I am ready to apply what type of information or documentation do I need to have prepared to submit an application that is review ready?
In addition to the above eligibility requirements you will also need an unofficial transcript.

If my reference have not received a notification. How do I ensure they receive it

In the application under the reference section make sure to check the box "send the recommendation request” and resave your reference contact information. This will trigger the automated email for your references to complete their letters. Please let your references know that they will receive an email notification. 

Joining AICPA student affiliate membership is a requirement of the program. You can sign up here.

How do I learn more about the Leadership Workshop and other AICPA diversity programs?
Contact us with your inquiry and contact information.