The AICPA announced on Wednesday that they have acquired the Accounting Pilot and Bridge Project. Developed by Dr. Dan Deines, a CPA and Kansas State professor, in 2006, the APBP looks to better train high school educators to provide a higher-quality accounting curriculum for students.
Previously supporting the program as a sponsor, the AICPA will look to expand the reach of the program in 2017, hoping to reach 20 state societies and 350 high school teachers, compared to the six state societies it helped expand the program to last year.
“By bringing the Accounting Pilot and Bridge Project in-house at the AICPA, we now have a formalized path to recruit highly motivated, talented high school students into the accounting profession on a national level,” stated AICPA president and CEO Barry Melancon.
The APBP course will give educators material akin to entry college level courses, focusing on financial and managerial accounting. AICPA research shows that 44 percent of high school students have either taken an accounting course or plan to take one, showing the potential impact of the Pilot and Bridge Project.
“The level of enthusiasm I’ve seen from teachers interested in going through the training and high school students who are eager to take a more advanced accounting class is a clear sign that this program is effective. AICPA ownership will help grow the program and continue its success well into the future.” said Dr. Deines, per a statement.
Educators participating in the APBP program will have access to support from fellow APBP educators, online teaching resources including lesson plans and exams, a textbook, and scholarships for high school students taking courses under an APBP-trained educator.
For more on the Accounting Pilot and Bridge Project, head to the course's
