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Our office is closed on December 24-25 and January 1. From December 23 to January 1, we’ll transition to a virtual week, with our physical location closed during this time.

Connecting on Campus: Highlights from Fall Student Events

December 19, 2024

During the fall semester, the OSCPA embarked on an ambitious journey to connect with future accountants across Oklahoma, reaching students from middle school to college with engaging presentations and hands-on experiences. These efforts are part of our ongoing commitment to inspire the next generation of CPAs and ensure a strong future for the profession.

Inaugural Back to School Bash: Fun and Connection

 We kicked the school year off right with our inaugural Back to School Bash on August 29. More than 40 students and members from across Oklahoma joined us at the OSCPA offices in Oklahoma City for an evening of fun, networking, and lighthearted competition.

From trashketball to cornhole, four in a row, axe throwing, and giant Jenga the laughs were nonstop as everyone showed off their skills (or tried to) during fun and friendly games. We also gave away $300 in gift cards and prizes and, thanks to the generous support of Joshua Jenson, CPA, awarded $250 in cash to support one student’s school expenses.

But it wasn’t all about the games. The bash was the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow students, recent grads, and seasoned CPAs—all while enjoying a laid-back, fun-filled evening. It was a night of building relationships, sharing stories, and sparking enthusiasm for the future of accounting.

Campus Engagement: Reaching Future CPAs Where They Are

College visits were a cornerstone of our fall outreach. The OSCPA visited nine colleges and universities:

  • University of Central Oklahoma
  • Tulsa Community College
  • Oklahoma City University
  • Oklahoma Christian University
  • Oklahoma Baptist University
  • University of Oklahoma
  • Rose State College
  • Cameron University
  • Oklahoma State University

During these visits, we engaged with over 500 students, discussing career paths, sharing resources, and offering support to those considering a future in accounting. Our efforts paid off—we welcomed 80 new student members to the OSCPA community!

Inspiring Future CPAs: Middle and High School Outreach

Our team also met with six public school classes—three middle schools and three high schools—sparking interest in accounting careers at an early age. Engaging with these students, ranging in age at Jones Public Schools, Moore Public Schools, and Eastern Oklahoma Technology Center, offered a valuable opportunity to demystify the CPA profession and highlight its potential for rewarding careers.

The OSCPA also made a significant impact at two major high school events. At the Choctaw Nation Career Expo, our team interacted with roughly 1,800 students, sharing insights into accounting careers and the exciting opportunities they offer. Additionally, we connected with more than 1,200 students at the Oklahoma Career Tech Fall Leadership Conference, promoting leadership pathways and the CPA profession.

Thank You to Our Volunteers!

None of this would be possible without the dedication and passion of our volunteers, including Jeremy Johnson, CPA; Ryon Fields, CPA; Ryan Doolin, CPA; Daniela Tidwell, CPA; Angela Baker, CPA; Ara Grigorian, CPA; Raychel Clark, CPA; Trevor Brownen, CPA; Jake Winkler, CPA; Stephanie Heiden, CPA; and Angela Spencer, CPA.

 A heartfelt thank you is also due to the members of the OSCPA’s Accounting Careers Committee and Young Accounting Professionals Committee, who generously shared their time and expertise. Your contributions are instrumental in shaping the future of our profession and inspiring the next generation of CPAs.

As we look forward to the spring semester, the OSCPA remains committed to building strong connections with students across Oklahoma. Together, we're making a lasting impact and fostering the future of accounting. Stay tuned for more student events and opportunities to get involved!