AICPA Applauds Introduction of Accounting STEM Pursuit Act in Senate

Washington, D.C. (February 6, 2026) - The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) has endorsed legislation introduced by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) to recognize accounting as a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education program. The Accounting STEM Pursuit Act (S. 3784) establishes the accounting profession as a STEM career pathway, allowing students greater access to accounting programs. This legislation would also amend the Every Student Succeeds Act to allow K-12 grant funding to be used for accounting education programs. Identical legislation was introduced in the House (H.R. 2911) last spring by Representatives Young Kim (R-CA) and Haley Stevens (D-MI).

The Accounting STEM Pursuit Act would add accounting education to the list of allowable uses under the Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grant program, a key funding stream for states to expand educational opportunities in public schools. This change would empower educators to introduce students at an earlier age to foundational accounting skills and highlight the profession's role in today's technology-driven marketplace.

The AICPA has long advocated for the designation of the accounting profession as a STEM curriculum, citing the clear and logical integration between accounting and technology which emphasizes the value of accounting professionals, including CPAs, as technological leaders. The AICPA has also demonstrated public support for this move, noting that a recent survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of the AICPA revealed that three quarters of Americans (74%) believe accounting courses should be designated as STEM education programs.

"Accounting is a technology-powered profession, and STEM recognition simply reflects today's reality," said AICPA President & CEO Mark Koziel, CPA, CGMA. "Accounting today sits at the intersection of data, technology and critical thinking - and that's exactly what STEM is all about. Recognizing accounting as a STEM pathway will help schools introduce these skills earlier, expand access for students in every community and build a stronger pipeline of future CPAs and finance leaders. This is a practical step to ensure the profession continues to serve the public interest and power economic growth in an increasingly digital world."

"We thank Senators Collins and Rosen for their efforts to have accounting designated as a STEM curriculum and urge Congress to move this legislation forward," continued Koziel.

About the American Institute of CPAs

The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) is the world's largest member association representing the CPA profession, with 397,000 members and a history of serving the public interest since 1887. AICPA members represent many areas of practice, including business and industry, public practice, government, education, and consulting. A founding member of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, the AICPA sets ethical standards for the profession, attestation standards, and U.S. auditing standards for private companies, not-for-profit organizations, and federal, state, and local governments. It develops and grades the Uniform CPA Examination, offers specialized credentials, partners across the profession to build future talent, and drives continuing education to advance the vitality, relevance, and quality of the profession.

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BACKGROUND:

October 20, 2025 - AICPA released survey results indicating strong support for accounting to be designated as a STEM program.

April 15, 2025 - AICPA signaled strong support for legislation recognizing accounting as STEM.

July 30, 2024 - Joined by every state CPA society and numerous other accounting stakeholders, the AICPA sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security asking that accounting be added to the department's STEM Designated Degree Program List.

July 30, 2024 - Accompanying the letter, the AICPA also submitted a white paper, which makes the argument that accounting education programs exceed some programs already on the DHS list in terms of STEM-related content.

September 27, 2023 - The AICPA voiced strong support for bipartisan, bicameral legislation establishing the accounting profession as a STEM career pathway and supporting long-standing efforts to diversify the future accounting workforce.

December 16, 2021 - The AICPA expressed support for the bipartisan STEM Education in Accounting Act, introduced by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV).

June 10, 2021 - The AICPA voiced its strong support for the Accounting STEM Pursuit Act of 2021 because it establishes the accounting profession as a STEM career pathway.

The AICPA has the following resources which provide additional information about proactive steps the accounting profession is taking to provide technology education and support:

Contact: Veronica L. Vera
202-434-9215
[email protected]