MNCPA Scholars
Receiving up-close, real world insight into the CPA profession while learning business skills through mentorship, firm visits and more.
MNCPA Scholars participate in a year-long program promoting awareness of the CPA profession to minority groups.
Why become an MNCPA Scholar?
During this year-long mentor program, MNCPA Scholars have the unique opportunity to get a working glimpse into the CPA profession.
As a Scholar, you'll meet respected CPAs, have lunch with firm partners and even work alongside real CPAs. You will also attend skill-building events throughout the year with your mentor, learn about accounting and business careers and gain important tools for the future.
Successful MNCPA Scholars will receive FREE:
- CPA mentor.
- Business clothing.
- Lunches and dinners.
- Skill development.
- Transportation to Minnesota firms and companies.
- Academic gift of $1,000.
- College or scholarship letter of recommendation.
To successfully complete the program, MNCPA Scholars must:
- Attend at least 70% of scheduled events. Events will not be scheduled on weekends or holidays. The MNCPA will make every effort to work with student's schedules relating to school conflicts and will work with schools and parents to facilitate any excused absences for events scheduled during class time. Failure participate in events will result in dismissal from the MNCPA Scholars program and no academic gift will be given at the end of the year.
- Meet with their mentor in-person at least once per semester.
- Communicate regularly with their mentor outside of events.
Scholars eligibility requirements
MNCPA Scholars are high-potential, minority high school students with an interest in accounting and/or business. Since CPA firms and businesses are investing in each MNCPA Scholar, attendance and active participation is essential.
- Must be an under-represented U.S. racial/ethnic minority student.
- Must be enrolled in a Minnesota high school as a junior or senior for the 2025-26 school year.
- Must be a Minnesota resident.
- Must have demonstrated academic success (with a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale).
- Must have an interest in accounting, finance, business or math.
Interested in becoming a Scholar?
The MNCPA is accepting applications for the 2025-26 school year. Download and complete the student application and questionnaire. Both are fillable PDFs. The student questionnaire may be submitted as a video provided the guidelines listed on the form are followed.
Please send completed application packets by email to Amy Johnston at ajohnston@mncpa.org or by mail to the attention of Amy Johnston at the Minnesota Society of CPAs, 1650 W. 82nd St., Suite 600, Bloomington, MN 55431.
Have questions about the MNCPA Scholars Program or about the application process? Contact Amy Johnston at 952-885-5534 or ajohnston@mncpa.org.
Application guidelines
- Applicant must complete the official 2025-26 MNCPA Scholars Application and Questionnaire. A recent academic transcript must be submitted with this application or it will not be accepted. Please thoroughly fill out the application, including information about activities, community involvement and work experience.
- Student questionnaire cam be completed either in writing or by filming a short video. See the questionnaire page for more details
- All application materials must be received by May 31, 2025.
- All information submitted becomes property of the Minnesota Society of CPAs and will not be returned to the applicant.
Application materials
Download and complete the following documents to be considered for the MNCPA Scholars Program.
Sample schedule of events
September: Welcome event
October: Break the ice game night
November: Visit to a Minnesota college
December: Case studies
February: CPA panel discussion
March: Communication skills building and dining etiquette
May: Firm visits
June: Job shadow with mentor
July: Scholars celebration dinner
Thank you to our sponsors
