The Georgia Society of CPAs (GSCPA) welcomed 90 high school students to its annual Rising Professionals Program on Friday, October 23, offering a day of career exploration, professional networking, and leadership development. The event, held at 191 Peachtree Street in downtown Atlanta with support from Forvis Mazars, concluded with the presentation of 15 scholarships totaling $7,500, funded by GSCPA and its member firms. The initiative matters because the accounting profession faces persistent pipeline concerns, and early exposure is seen as a critical tool for attracting talent.
"Introducing students to the CPA profession early is one of the most important investments we can make in its future," said Boyd Search, CEO of The Georgia Society of CPAs. "Programs like Rising Professionals allow students to see that this profession offers far more opportunities than they may have imagined." The program's emphasis on firsthand exposure reflects a broader strategy to reshape perceptions of accounting, which is often mischaracterized as narrowly focused on tax preparation and auditing rather than as a gateway to diverse industries and leadership roles.
Throughout the day, students heard from accounting professionals about their career journeys and participated in a career panel that encouraged questions and exploration of interests. An interactive Pins and Straws leadership activity challenged students to collaborate while experiencing different leadership styles, underscoring the importance of communication, teamwork, and adaptability. Jon Tomberlin of Forvis Mazars said, "There's something incredibly rewarding about watching students discover new possibilities for their futures."
The program was guided by Evelyn Rosier, CPA, CGMA, PMP, who served as emcee and career panel moderator. "One of my favorite parts of Rising Professionals is seeing students become more comfortable, curious and confident as the day progresses," Rosier said. "Whether they're asking a question, working through a challenge with their teammates or listening thoughtfully to a speaker, they're developing skills that will serve them well in whatever career they choose."
A highlight was the presentation of 15 scholarships of $500 each, recognizing students for their participation, engagement, and enthusiasm. Scholarships were supported by GSCPA, Mauldin & Jenkins, Smith + Howard, Wipfli, Forvis Mazars, Windham Brannon, Cecily Welch CPA, LLC, McNair, McLemore, Middlebrooks, and Cromwell Baun. The financial support signals a shared commitment to encouraging students to pursue higher education and consider accounting careers.
The Rising Professionals Program traces its roots to 2015, when Smith & Howard launched the initiative as SHARP. GSCPA began hosting the program in 2016, expanding opportunities for high school students to connect with Georgia's accounting community. The program remains an important part of GSCPA's efforts to increase awareness of the profession and help students understand the many career paths available. For more information, visit www.gscpa.org.
