Experiential Learning for Accountants: The Not For Profit Project

Abstract

Although the teaching of accounting is becoming more case oriented and involves active learning, critical thinking, and other non-lecture modes of learning, accounting students do not have much chance in class to apply the material they are learning. Some may take part in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program; others find internships with major and local firms. To give other students a taste of what accounting is like in the “real world,” our not for profit project has students work with budgets and other parts of a proposal for funds from a corporation. Students simulate the experience of working for a local not for profit, designing a fund raiser, writing a realistic budget, and persuading a corporation to donate some seed money to get the event going.