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Frequently Asked Questions - ALOT 2011

What is the Accounting Leaders of Tomorrow Program?

Accounting Leaders of Tomorrow (ALOT) is a week-long residency program designed to introduce high school students to the world of accounting and business.  This program will be housed on the campus of Illinois Wesleyan University in June of 2011 It is targeted towards students entering their junior or senior year in Chicago, Detroit, and central Illinois area high schools with an interest in attending a four-year university and pursuing a career in the field of accounting or business.  

 

What are the Objectives of the ALOT Program?

The objectives of this program are three-fold.  One, ALOT aims to increase awareness of the diverse number of career opportunities available in the area of accounting.  By incorporating lectures and activities led by representatives from both industrial and public accounting and field trips to local business facilities such as the Caterpillar Track-Type Tractor plant, students will be introduced to the exciting range of careers that exist for accountants.  Two, the program seeks to expand the interpersonal and financial skills of students in an enriching and challenging environment.  Students will develop leadership, teamwork, and communication skills through group participation in competitive business simulations designed to teach financial, budgetary, and analytical skills.  In addition, discussions on personal financial management will teach students the skills of investing, using credit, and money management that are pertinent to their everyday lives.  Three, ALOT seeks to enhance students' understanding of the advantages of a liberal arts education.  Students, faculty, and staff from Illinois Wesleyan University will lead presentations regarding the unique opportunities available to students who study at a liberal arts institution including but not limited to: double majors, pursuing a passion in the arts, and studying abroad.   

 

What Sort of School is Illinois Wesleyan University?

Illinois Wesleyan University, a private, residential, liberal arts university founded in 1850, strives to attain the ideal of a liberal education while providing unique opportunities with its distinctive curricula and programs. The university, with an enrollment of approximately 2,100 students, provides a challenging academic environment with the advantages of close personal attention.   More information about Illinois Wesleyan University can be found at http://www.iwu.edu.  

 

Where is the University Located?

IWU is located in Bloomington, Illinois, a commercial and agricultural center situated halfway between Chicago and St. Louis.  Bloomington and its twin city, Normal, have a combined population of approximately 100,000 and are easily accessible via three interstate highways (I-39, I-55 and I-74). Chicago, St. Louis and Indianapolis are all within a three-hour drive. The regional airport offers both commuter and jet services, and Amtrak trains make several stops daily in the community. The area is an important commercial hub in Central Illinois; major employers include State Farm Insurance Companies (world headquarters), Mitsubishi Motor Manufacturing of America, and Illinois State University. To learn more about the twin cities click on the following link: About Bloomington-Normal

 

Where will Participants Stay?

Participants will be housed in Harriet Rust Hall the newest residence hall on campus.  Participants will be able to experience college life by living in the  residence hall and dining in Illinois Wesleyan’s Bertholf Commons.  Classes, lectures, and presentations will be held in a variety of classrooms across the campus including the newly completed Ames Library.

Click on the image of Rust Hall for a tour of campus.

 

What Activities are Available to Students Outside the Classroom?

In addition to daily seminars and in-class exercises, students will participate in a number of social events.  These may include "drumming across cultures", a movie night, bowling at ISU Bowling and Billiards Center, a Peoria Chiefs minor league baseball game, and the Illinois Shakespeare Festival. Activities such as these and others will be available to students each evening and will be supervised by program leaders.  Illinois Wesleyan’s Shirk Center, which includes basketball, volleyball, racquetball, tennis courts, an indoor track, and an extensive weight room, will also be available to students. 

 

Who May Participate in the ALOT Program?

          Students who:

1.                  have a “B” average or better.

2.                  have completed the sophomore (10th) or junior (11th) year of school.

3.                  are planning to attend college, preferably with an interest in accounting or business.

How do Students Apply for the ALOT Program?

Students may apply for the ALOT program by mailing the application and proper forms to:

Professor Gerald Olson

IWU Accounting Leaders of Tomorrow Program

PO Box 2900

Bloomington, IL 61702

A copy of the student’s resume, academic transcript, and at least one letter of recommendation from a counselor or teacher must accompany the application. 

What is the Cost of the ALOT Program for Students?

Room, board, transportation, and program fees will be covered.  You will only need to provide personal spending money!

Funds for the program have been provided by: State Farm Insurance, Caterpillar Inc., PricewaterhouseCoopers, Ernst & Young, Illinois Wesleyan University, and others    

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January 25, 2011