2021 Dallas ACAP Curriculum
|
Why Accounting?Accounting is the basic language of business. Whether you are a star athlete, or CEO of a Fortune 500 company, having a basic understanding of accounting and finance will equip you with the necessary tools to make sound business decisions. Accountants not only "keep the books" or do taxes, but they also serve as auditors, consultants, and valued business advisors.
Accounting and finance professionals are found in every industry from public accounting firms to nonprofit organizations to K-12 schools. Click here for an explanation of the various types of accounting and finance professionals. As the needs of the local and global business markets rapidly change, so does the accounting needs of organizations. |
ACAP Week
; During a typical ACAP Week, students explore the world of business education through the eyes of accounting educators, and shared experiences by National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) and other business professionals, etc. ACAP students receive practical insights on: the profile of a successful student, professor expectations, opportunities in accounting and finance, the importance of advanced degrees and certifications, and tips for success in the corporate world.
ACAP Flyer
ACAP Song
NABA/ACAP Journey (Pipeline)
Southern Methodist University (SMU)--On-Campus Experience:
*SMU Venues for ACAP Week
*Primary Classroom on SMU's Campus: Cox School of Business; Crow 175
*Assigned Dormitory: Peyton Residential Commons
*SMU Virtual Tour
Expectations of Students
What to Bring to Camp; What to Wear During ACAP Week
Umphrey Lee Cafeteria & Menu
Parking Instructions at SMU; Visitor Parking Map
ACAP Flyer
ACAP Song
NABA/ACAP Journey (Pipeline)
Southern Methodist University (SMU)--On-Campus Experience:
*SMU Venues for ACAP Week
*Primary Classroom on SMU's Campus: Cox School of Business; Crow 175
*Assigned Dormitory: Peyton Residential Commons
*SMU Virtual Tour
Expectations of Students
What to Bring to Camp; What to Wear During ACAP Week
Umphrey Lee Cafeteria & Menu
Parking Instructions at SMU; Visitor Parking Map
COVID-19 Guidelines
The overall safety and wellbeing of our ACAP students is of utmost importance to us. Southern Methodist University (SMU) requires that summer programs conducted on its campus maintain certain safety and constraints associated with the pandemic and overall safety. In addition, NABA/ACAP requires certain safety measures as well. Certain forms must be completed and submitted prior to start of the camp on June 27, 2021. Click here for more information.
The overall safety and wellbeing of our ACAP students is of utmost importance to us. Southern Methodist University (SMU) requires that summer programs conducted on its campus maintain certain safety and constraints associated with the pandemic and overall safety. In addition, NABA/ACAP requires certain safety measures as well. Certain forms must be completed and submitted prior to start of the camp on June 27, 2021. Click here for more information.
Assignments/Participation Grades
Students are expected to attend class each day and be on time. Participation in class is required and grades are awarded accordingly. In addition, various pre-camp and ACAP Week assignments are required to be completed by all ACAP students enrolled in camp. All assignments are graded. Several awards given at the Closing Ceremony are based on points or grades. Click on the buttons below for more information.
Schedule of ActivitiesThe Schedule of Activities for ACAP Week does not just include accounting, but covers other areas/topics necessary for a successful matriculation in college (providing a more holistic learning experience).
Click here for speaker bios. (TBD) |
Course DescriptionsCourse descriptions give more information about each course: the rationale for the course, an overview of key content, and skills to be learned, etc. Click here for more.
|
Group ProjectThe Group Project is the capstone activity or assignment for the week. Placed in groups, students act as entrepreneurs who start their own business, create their logo, marketing strategy, financial statements, etc., and present their business plan before a panel of judges.
Learn More |
Mandatory Students/Parents Orientation
Each year prior to ACAP Week, ACAP Administrators conduct a mandatory Students/Parents Orientation to allow participants to meet & greet, inform all ACAP participants of camp expectations, view the schedule of activities, and answer questions as necessary. ACAP Administrators view this session as a critical component of the overall success of Dallas ACAP.
Orientation Agenda (Saturday, June 5, 2021, 9:00 am - 11:00 am)
Dallas ACAP 2021 Class Demographics
Students/Parents Orientation Presentation
Students/Parents Orientation (Recording). The link to this recording was emailed to participants.
Orientation Agenda (Saturday, June 5, 2021, 9:00 am - 11:00 am)
Dallas ACAP 2021 Class Demographics
Students/Parents Orientation Presentation
Students/Parents Orientation (Recording). The link to this recording was emailed to participants.
ACAP Board Meeting Presentation
Opening Reception
The Opening Reception is a meet-and-greet activity among ACAP students, Corporate Supporters, parents/guardians, business professionals, and ACAP counselors and volunteers.
Date: Sunday, June 27, 2021
Time: 5:00 - 6:30 pm
Location: Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX, Fincher Building, EY Gallery, 6212 Bishop Avenue
Date: Sunday, June 27, 2021
Time: 5:00 - 6:30 pm
Location: Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX, Fincher Building, EY Gallery, 6212 Bishop Avenue
Executive RoundtableThis event is an opportunity for students to meet, dine, and interact with ACAP Board Members, Corporate Partners, college educators, NABA members, and other business professionals who share lessons learned and other tips for success. Click here for bios (TBD).
|
Student DemographicsSince inception in 2001, almost 900 students (all grade levels) have graduated from the program. Historically, students have come from about 30 different high schools with an average GPA of 3.5.
The average GPA for the 2021 ACAP Class is 3.8. Click here for current year demographics. ACAP Flyer |
Corporate TourStudents tour a corporate work environment (such as a Big 4 accounting firm or non-public corporate environment). They get to hear from business executives, recruiters, summer interns, and gain insights into the "Day in the Life" of these individuals.
|
Talk Back Session (Keeping It Real)
Sometimes, it is hard dealing with male and female issues on and off campus, and/or in the workplace. For the young males: So many of them go about their lives hiding behind masks, stereotypes, and unrealistic expectations. They pretend to be something that they're not, and live that lie due to the fear of being negatively judged by others. And since "real men don't cry", they don't express themselves and bottle things up. For the young females: They often have to deal with issues pertaining to health and wellness, physical appearance, juggling between advancing in their career and managing a household, sexual abuse, unequal pay, etc.
The Talk Back Sessions are designed to create a positive, safe environment for students to express themselves freely on various topics of interest. ACAP students initially attend separate breakout group discussions on issues based on gender, then come together to further discuss issues students face on and off the campus. Basic ground rules apply.
The Talk Back Sessions are designed to create a positive, safe environment for students to express themselves freely on various topics of interest. ACAP students initially attend separate breakout group discussions on issues based on gender, then come together to further discuss issues students face on and off the campus. Basic ground rules apply.
Social Outing/Alumni Night
Each year, students are treated to a social activity on or off campus. ACAP Alums return to interact with current ACAP students. This year, the Social Outing/Alumni Night Activities will be held on SMU's campus: Mac's Place.
Scholarships
ACAP Scholarships are available to ACAP Graduating Seniors who meet the requirements as outlined in the Scholarship Criteria document by the deadline date. Total scholarships awarded depend on funding (generally in increments of $500 - $2,000). The scholarships awarded are presented at the ACAP Closing Session. The dollars will actually be disbursed in late August or early September upon proof of enrollment in college. Click here for the 2021 ACAP Scholarship Criteria. The deadline to apply is Friday, June 25, 2021.
Click here to apply for the 2021 ACAP Scholarships.
In Fall 2020, Ashlee Jones became the first recipient of the newly announced Nora O’Garro/Odell Brown Scholarship for alumni of the SMU Accounting Career Awareness Program (ACAP). SMU Cox Master of Science in Accounting Director Greg Sommers and Cox Diversity Initiatives Director Steve Denson, along with the executive board members of ACAP, announced the creation of the Nora O’Garro/Odell Brown Scholarship Program in 2020, allowing for any alumnus of SMU ACAP to receive a $10,000 scholarship upon their admission to the Cox Master of Science in Accounting Program. Click here to learn more.
If you or some ACAP Alum you know who may be interested in the SMU Scholarship, please see the Dallas ACAP Administrative Team.
Click here to apply for the 2021 ACAP Scholarships.
In Fall 2020, Ashlee Jones became the first recipient of the newly announced Nora O’Garro/Odell Brown Scholarship for alumni of the SMU Accounting Career Awareness Program (ACAP). SMU Cox Master of Science in Accounting Director Greg Sommers and Cox Diversity Initiatives Director Steve Denson, along with the executive board members of ACAP, announced the creation of the Nora O’Garro/Odell Brown Scholarship Program in 2020, allowing for any alumnus of SMU ACAP to receive a $10,000 scholarship upon their admission to the Cox Master of Science in Accounting Program. Click here to learn more.
If you or some ACAP Alum you know who may be interested in the SMU Scholarship, please see the Dallas ACAP Administrative Team.
Monetary Awards
During ACAP Week, all ACAP students are eligible to compete for monetary awards of various amounts. Awards are given to:
*Top Male Most points earned by a male student
*Top Female Most points earned by a female student
*Most Enthusiastic Voted on by fellow students
*Most Inspirational Voted on by fellow students
*Rising Star Most likely to succeed in Accounting; voted on by fellow students
*Top Male Counselor Voted on by the students; input and observations are made by ACAP Senior Staff
*Top Female Counselor Voted on by the students; input and observations are made by ACAP Senior Staff
*Talent Show Winner As rated by a panel of judges
*Prize Drawings
*Top Male Most points earned by a male student
*Top Female Most points earned by a female student
*Most Enthusiastic Voted on by fellow students
*Most Inspirational Voted on by fellow students
*Rising Star Most likely to succeed in Accounting; voted on by fellow students
*Top Male Counselor Voted on by the students; input and observations are made by ACAP Senior Staff
*Top Female Counselor Voted on by the students; input and observations are made by ACAP Senior Staff
*Talent Show Winner As rated by a panel of judges
*Prize Drawings
Talent Show
Students get to showcase their talent on Thursday night of ACAP Week: singing, dancing, rapping, playing a musical instrument, reciting a monologue, poetry reading, artwork, etc. Contestants will be judged and cash prizes will be awarded. Students are not required to participate as contestants; however, they are required to attend the Talent Show and support their classmates.
Students who wish to participate as contestants in the Talent Show should complete the Talent Show Entry Form. Volunteers who wish to serve as Talent Show Judges should complete the ACAP Volunteer Form.
Parents are encouraged to attend this event.
Students who wish to participate as contestants in the Talent Show should complete the Talent Show Entry Form. Volunteers who wish to serve as Talent Show Judges should complete the ACAP Volunteer Form.
Parents are encouraged to attend this event.
Closing Luncheon
This event is a culmination of the weeklong program where we celebrate student successes and award participation certificates and scholarships. The Talent Show Winner and Group Project Winner are included on the program. This event is typically open to parents, ACAP Board Members, Corporate Partner representatives, and ACAP Volunteers.
Opportunities to Support Dallas ACAP
Click on the buttons below to learn various ways how you can support Dallas ACAP.