The largest class of students yet came to campus this summer for a weeklong summer bridge program showcasing college life and careers in accounting, finance and entrepreneurship in partnership with NABA Inc.
August 23, 2024
By TCU Neeley School of Business
Each summer, the Accelerated Career Awareness Program (ACAP) provides high school students with a one-of-a-kind experience at the TCU Neeley School of Business. This year 75 students from more than 60 high schools attended.
ACAP, hosted in collaboration with NABA Inc. empowers high school students to explore business careers, like accounting, finance, marketing, real estate and entrepreneurship.
During the program, the students participated in interactive workshops led by prominent corporate leaders and Neeley faculty from Accounting and Marketing Departments and the Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Corporate tours of Topgolf, Callaways Brands and Gulfstream Aerospace provided real-world perspectives on concepts they learned in the classroom. Scholars also learned about personal brand development, business etiquette and received a professional headshot photograph, all white buidling meaningful connections with peers interested in similar fields.
Ann Tasby, director of the TCU Neeley Office of Inclusive Excellence, credits the volunteers, industry leader, faculty, and staff for elevating the annual program each year. In addition to corporate sponsors, like PepsiCo, EY and CLA, centers and institutes within the Neeley School of Business also contributed to ACAP. Thanks to them there is no out of pocket cost to participants for tuition, housing, books and materials.
“The selfless support of all the volunteers was inspiring,” Tasby said. “They gave their time and provided expertise to make a generational difference in the lives of the students. Their generosity demonstrates the true essence of this program and our collective commitment to empowering underrepresented communities,” said Tasby, who is also a member of the accounting faculty.
“During ACAP, we strive to go beyond just imparting technical skills; we focus on bringing the business career opportunities to life by providing meaningful exposure to diverse business leaders from the nation's top employers,” she said.
Throughout the week, students worked on group projects and a case study initiative that resulted in a business pitch for each group. The winning team showcased their business pitch at a luncheon for family, friends and program participants. Their innovative business idea was to sell an affordable video review system for sports referees by incorporating AI technology to quickly evaluate questionable calls or decisions during gameplay.
Students on the winning team included: Ethan George, Ethan Williams, Jayden Evans, Kaden Pullam, Maddie Garcia, Kaden Flowers, Iyanu Okelana, Marco Elejabarrieta and their counselor, Noah Armstrong.
To close out the reception, Aniska Moss-Melford, vice president of compliance and ethics with UPS, provided an inspirational keynote address on “getting comfortable with being uncomfortable” to encourage the students to continue striving for success no matter the challenges they face.
Moss-Melford left students with one final question: “Are you going to lead and embrace the uncomfortableness that you are going to experience as you conquer your success?”
