Gen Z: Exploring Service Learning Projects in Managerial Accounting

Abstract

Service learning projects capitalize on the unique characteristics of Gen Z students and meet the requirements of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants’ (AICPA) core competencies. This project not only increased students’ soft skills, making them more marketable to future employers, but also made a difference in the lives of the people served. Participants mastered managerial accounting topics through hands-on experiences that are often considered complex to grasp, which instilled inspiration and creativity. The findings of this paper may be useful to educators to increase student interest, as well as develop the AICPA’s core competencies in future accountants.