November 2025 once again marked Accounting Opportunities Experience month — a nationwide initiative designed to introduce high school students to the breadth of career opportunities in accounting and challenge outdated stereotypes about the profession. What began as a pilot program in 2022 has grown into a powerful outreach initiative.
“Many students still have a narrow picture of what accountants actually do,” said Christin Hunter, senior manager of CPA Pipeline Student & Candidate Membership at the AICPA. “When they hear directly from CPAs about their real-world work, the profession becomes far more relatable and exciting.”
Accounting Opportunities Experience was designed to support state CPA societies and volunteers in their outreach to students. By offering optional, ready-to-use resources —such as PowerPoint slides, presenter tips, social media graphics, training videos, and classroom activities — the program helps promote consistent, engaging experiences while giving societies the flexibility to tailor outreach to their local communities.
The results of the program speak for themselves. Since launching in 2022, Accounting Opportunities Experience has engaged more than 100,000 students nationwide, supported by participation from 35 to 44 state CPA societies each year. In 2025 alone, the Accounting Opportunities Experience program reached more than 30,000 students across the country.
Student feedback continues to show meaningful impact. In 2025 surveys, 87% of respondents said the presentation increased their interest in accounting to some degree, and 67% said they were likely to consider accounting as a college major. These numbers are up from 80% and 59%, respectively, compared with last year.
This year also introduced a new hands-on element: an optional classroom activity called “Budget Boss.” The interactive exercise allows students to experience accounting concepts in action rather than just hearing about them, reinforcing the message that accounting is dynamic, practical, and connected to real-world decision-making. Additional presentation options, such as “Discover Your Future” and “Let’s Talk Business,” allow educators and volunteers to tailor content based on students’ experience levels.
Although Accounting Opportunities Experience takes place in November, the resources are available year-round and can be used anytime professionals have the opportunity to speak with students — from high school classrooms to college campuses.
How to get involved in 2026:
Start with your state CPA society. Hunter recommends first reaching out to your state society because they often have resources specific to your state. Many societies coordinate partnerships with local schools, volunteer opportunities, and state-specific resources.
Access Accounting Opportunities Experience volunteer tools. If you’re presenting independently, you can use the AOE slide decks, training videos, FAQs, classroom activities, and audience-specific tips. You can find these resources at ThisWayToCPA.
Volunteer your time. Whether you speak at a career day, lead a classroom activity, or mentor students, your perspective can influence how young people view the profession.
Each year, the Accounting Opportunities Experience program continues to reach more students, raise awareness of accounting careers, and break down misconceptions about what accountants really do. With continued volunteer support in 2026, the initiative will keep building a stronger, more diverse future for our profession.