Accounting Scholars Development Program helps NTC students balance their future

CROWNPOINT, N.M. - Two Navajo Technical College accounting students took part in an Accounting Scholars Development Program at the University of Denver - Daniels College of Business where they engaged in seminars that addressed professional development, financial literacy, accounting education, and the steps to becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

NTC accounting students Menell Herbert of Nachitti, NM and Nahnbah Ciccarello of Roanhorse Canyon, N.M. were each accepted into the all-expenses paid program after a tedious application process

"The program really opened doors for them and gave them a sense of direction," stated NTC accounting instructor Tilda Woody. "It reinforced a lot of things they're learning here at NTC, and helped them self-evaluate where they're at in comparison with other students."

Over 50 students from 13 states attended the program, with each student being a first or second year undergraduate representing a community college in an African-American, Hispanic or Native American community. It was the first time an NTC accounting student took part in such a program, and it caused a little uncertainty.

"At first I was intimidated about being there," stated Herbert, who also serves as NTC's National Technical Honor Society president. "But as the program went on, it got exciting. I really enjoyed all the information on all the companies and the types of positions there are in the accounting field, especially for me as a single parent.

Throughout the week, students maintained a diligent schedule that had them participating in all-day activities that included resume workshops, case assignments, dinner etiquette and mock interviews.

"The program as a whole just enhanced my curiosity and goal of becoming a CPA. I was just going to go to NAU after I got my associate's, but now I feel I have what it takes to be in the elite group of CPAs," stated Ciccarello. "The bar has been raised, and I'm going to look at other schools now. Now it's doable."

While Ciccarello has set her sights high for the future, in the mean time, she wants to serve as an advocate for the program for younger NTC accounting students.

For more information on NTC's involvement in the Accounting Scholars Development Program, please contact Tilda Woody at (505) 786-4134.