students participating in the accounting challenge

Students put their imaginations and innovation to work participating in the team competition portion of the 2022 Accounting Challenge.

February 02, 2023

Media Advisory: 300+ students to compete in SIU’s Accounting Challenge

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. — More than 300 high school and community college students from Illinois and Missouri will be competing for scholarships, trophies and bragging rights at Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s 25th annual Accounting Challenge, set for Feb. 3.

Sponsored by the School of Accountancy in SIU’s College of Business and Analytics, the event features both individual and team competitions. The latter will have a surprise challenge to engage the teens in fun, thought-provoking contests that encourage collaboration, creativity and ingenuity.


Media Advisory

Reporters, photographers and news crews are welcome to cover the 2023 Accounting Challenge team competition on Feb. 3 in the Student Center Ballrooms and adjacent Corker Lounge. The most opportune times to obtain appealing video, photographs and interviews are during:

  • The welcome and overview session from 9:15 to 9:30 a.m. Students will also be mingling and engaged during the check-in and breakfast, 8:30-9:15 a.m.
  • The team building competition as students engage in hands-on experiential learning activities, 10:20-11:50 a.m.
  • The SIU student panel as Salukis answer questions and chat with the visiting high school and community college students, 11:50 a.m.-12:10 p.m.
  • The awards ceremony at 1 p.m.

For more information, contact Nija Harvey at nija@siu.edu or 618-453-1400. In the event of inclement weather, the challenge will be moved to March 10.


Two-phase competition

About 9:30 a.m., participants will complete written tests that assess their accounting knowledge and skills. The students who earn the highest score in the accounting I or advanced accounting divisions will receive certificates and scholarships worth up to $500 if they attend SIU and major in accounting.

Then, at 10:20 a.m. the team challenge starts, and that’s when the action really kicks into high gear. Working in small groups, participants will take on a unique challenge, putting their problem-solving skills to the test. The challenge is devised by Larry Busch, an emeritus SIU School of Art and Design faculty member.

Creativity and innovation come to forefront

As with previous events, this year’s challenge will remain a closely guarded secret until the contest begins.

One year, for example, each group received a couple of paper folders, a paper plate, a four-foot strip of masking tape and scissors, and were asked to create the tallest free-standing tower in the room. Another year, participants joined in a wild human version of the popular Hungry, Hungry Hippos game. They’ve also created “egg drop” containers with a few simple supplies, constructed far-flying paper airplanes and more.

The winning teams will earn trophies for each team member and for their school.

About 20 schools involved

Well over 300 students from about 20 high schools and community colleges from around the region are registered to attend the 2023 Accounting Challenge, with some traveling up to 100 miles or so.

SIU students, faculty and staff work together to create the unique and fun experience for the visiting students.

High school and community college students complete written tests to assess their accounting knowledge and skills.

High school and community college students complete written tests to assess their accounting knowledge and skills.