Rider Launches CPA Apprenticeship Program
Rider University has launched a program designed to ease the burdens of becoming a Certified Public Accountant.
The Rider University CPA Apprenticeship Program allows new graduates of accounting programs to earn, at a reduced cost, the required credits to obtain CPA licensure in New Jersey through coursework and real-world professional experience.
“Our new program is a novel and powerful tool to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world accounting experiences,” says Dr. Evelyn A. McDowell, the chair of Rider’s Department of Accounting. “We’re proud to offer recent graduates a low-cost alternative to advancing their careers.”
To become a CPA, individuals must earn 150 credit hours in addition to working one year under the supervision of a licensed CPA and passing the CPA exam. Through Rider’s new program, recent graduates can fulfill those credit hours through as many as five online courses while also working at least 34 hours per week with participating firms. Each course is worth six academic credits, offered at a lowered cost of $250 per credit, and will be supervised by faculty from Rider’s accounting program, which is one of only 2 percent of programs worldwide with accreditation from the AACSB International.
The program will accept participants beginning in May, and the university is currently establishing partnerships with firms and companies. McDowell notes that participating in Rider’s CPA Apprenticeship Program can serve as a powerful recruitment tool as firms seek both short-term and permanent talent.
Because it is open to partnering with a variety of firms, Rider’s program is the first of its kind in New Jersey. “By inviting multiple firms to participate, we are creating flexible opportunities inclusive to a wide range of individuals that will ultimately strengthen the pipeline of CPAs,” McDowell says.
Rider’s first partnering firm, WilkinGuttenplan, was ranked by NJBiz as one of the Top 25 Accounting Firms in New Jersey. The medium-sized public accounting firm has served closely-held/middle-market businesses and their owners, high‐net-worth individuals, emerging entrepreneurs and many other clients for more than 40 years.
“The cooperation and commitment of employers are integral to the program’s success, and we are extremely proud to collaborate with WilkinGuttenplan to support aspiring professionals,” McDowell says.
The Rider University CPA Apprenticeship Program was established with the support of Rider’s Accounting Advisory Council, which consists of industry leaders and experts. “The members of the Council have consistently advocated for creating such a program, which highlights the growing need within the profession,” says McDowell.
Participants must possess a bachelor’s degree and core accounting classes at fewer than 150 credit hours. They must also obtain employment with a company or firm doing meaningful and substantial work as an accounting professional, working more than 34 hours per week.
For a full list of requirements and more information about Rider University’s CPA Apprenticeship Program, including participating firms and companies, please visit rider.edu/cpa-apprenticeship.
MCCC Expands Automotive Technology Program
Mercer County Community College has expanded its Automotive Technology Program with a focus on electric vehicles. With the concept of mobility changing, MCCC recognizes the importance of equipping students with the skills necessary to excel in the quickly evolving transition to electric vehicles.
“The move toward furnishing the automotive program with essential tools and equipment will signify our commitment to remaining at the forefront of innovation and prepare our students for the electric revolution in the automotive industry,” says Jason Evans, MCCC’s Automotive Technology Program coordinator.
The addition of MCCC’s first fully electric vehicle, provided by a federal Perkins grant, will be used to elevate students’ educational experience and equip them with the essential skills in the fast-growing field of electric vehicle repair beginning this spring semester. “The ability to train MCCC students to service electric vehicles is incredibly important, not only for our students, but also for our community who will increasingly need those services,” said MCCC President Deborah E. Preston.
MCCC’s Automotive Technology Program teaches students about current automotive technology trends by completing up-to-date training curriculum in the classroom and through hands-on work in an automotive lab. Students learn how to diagnose, repair and service current automotive technologies, demonstrate desirable work habits and communicate effectively and professionally. Internships at area dealerships complement the curriculum and generally move into full-time employment.
To learn more about the Automotive Technology Program visit https://www.mccc.edu/catalog/auto_tech_aas.shtml.
Grant Received: Center for Modern Aging
The Center for Modern Aging Princeton, formerly the Princeton Senior Resource center, has received a $30,000 grant from Home Instead Senior Care–Princeton, and their parent company Honor Technologies, Inc. to support programs on history and political sciences as part of the Evergreen Forum Series. This grant demonstrates Home Instead’s commitment to enhancing quality of life through interesting lifelong learning programs for older adults, recognizing that curiosity and the desire to learn and engage continue throughout our lifetime.
In fiscal year 2022–23, more than 2,800 students participated in CMAP’s lifelong learning programs — an increase of 13 percent over the previous fiscal year. More than 1,200 participants engaged in our Evergreen Forum programs. “CMAP is delighted to have the support of Home Instead for our famed lifelong learning series. Kunwar Singh owner of Home Instead Princeton, Hamilton, and Monroe has been a long-time supporter of the Center for Modern Aging,” said Drew Dyson, CEO of CMAP.
“My staff and I work with a number of facilities that serve older adults throughout central New Jersey, and never have we seen a center such as CMAP that so fully addresses the needs of seniors. In keeping with Honor Technology and Home Instead’s emphasis on relationship-based care this grant will serve as a foundation for an increase in innovation to benefit caregivers and clients,” says Singh.
Center for Modern Aging Princeton, 101 Poor Farm Road Building B, Princeton 08540. 609-751-9699. Drew Dyson, CEO. www.cmaprinceton.org.
