The Pennsylvania CPA Foundation is committed to fostering an environment where every aspiring accountant has the opportunity to succeed.
As the newly appointed chair of the Pennsylvania CPA Foundation, I am honored to share our achievements over the past year and provide details on our vision for the future. Our mission—to inspire and support the next generation of CPAs—has never been more vital.
Celebrating 2024–2025 Milestones
In the 2024–2025 fiscal year, we made significant strides in strengthening the accounting pipeline:
- Engaged over 11,000 students and educators through outreach programs and events.
- Awarded $210,000 in scholarships, providing financial support to aspiring accounting professionals.
- Reached more than 1,100 high school students via classroom presentations, introducing them to the opportunities within the accounting profession.
- Hosted 15 career awareness events, connecting students with professionals and showcasing diverse career paths in accounting.
- Expanded our partnerships, fostering relationships that guide students through their educational and professional journeys.
These accomplishments are a testament to the dedication of our volunteers, donors, and partners who believe in the future of our profession.
Looking Ahead to 2025–2026
As we embark on the 2025–2026 fiscal year, our focus remains on building a robust and diverse accounting workforce. Here are a few strategies we plan to implement this year:
- Grow awareness among undeclared business majors by expanding outreach through targeted programming and strategic partnerships.
- Strengthen our fundraising strategy to support long-term growth with a repeatable, scalable approach to increase donor engagement and revenue.
- Improve engagement with Accounting Advisory Boards through consistent communication processes.
- Lead with data to build a system to better track students and measure our impact.
The Pennsylvania CPA Foundation is committed to fostering an environment where every aspiring accountant has the opportunity to succeed.
Join Us in Shaping the Future
The progress we've made and the future goals we’ve set are only possible through the continued support of our members and community. Whether you're a long-time supporter or new to our mission, we invite you to join us in shaping the future of the accounting profession in Pennsylvania.
As an educator, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of students interacting with members of the accounting profession, especially when it comes to selecting a career or field of study.
Explore our initiatives and learn how you can get involved in our newly published 2024–2025 Annual Report. Together, we will continue to inspire and empower the next generation of CPAs.
Keith Bittel, CPA, is the chair of the Pennsylvania CPA Foundation. He is an assistant professor at Westminster College in New Wilmington, Pa., and is the founder of Bittel CPA LLC in Coraopolis, Pa.
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Statements of fact and opinion are the authors’ responsibility alone and do not imply an opinion on the part of the PICPA's officers or members. The information contained herein does not constitute accounting, legal, or professional advice. For actionable advice, you must engage or consult with a qualified professional.
