Friday, 23 May 2008 
 
More than 300 of Australia’s top business and accounting students have already accepted the challenge to prove they have what it takes to conquer the world by numbers and make a positive change to Australia’s leading aid organisations...and you can join them! 
 
Entries are now open for the third and final Chartered Accountants Student Challenge which kicks off this Monday, 26 May 2008. Register via www.figureditoutyet.com.au for your chance to figure it out for the Australian Conservation Fund (ACF), who is committed to inspiring the community, business and government to protect, restore and sustain our environment. 
 
No ordinary challenge, this industry first initiative from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia utilises Facebook and the challenge website to facilitate discussion on the solutions.  
 
By entering the Student Challenge, you can you get your hands on some awesome prizes including travel to one of the locations where the cause operates, Apple Macbooks and Apple iTouch music players. The challenge also offers you the opportunity to kick start your career by boosting your CV.  
 
Challenge One winner, Jarrod Bayliss-McCulloch, says “Not only is this a fantastic opportunity for students to support non-profit organisations, I have also received invaluable industry feedback from my winning submission for Oxfam Australia. I challenge anyone to oppose me in the final battle!” 
 
And the third challenge is the most exciting one yet! In light of rising interest rates, high petrol prices and inflation on groceries, the cost of living is increasing which leaves little money left over to donate to charities. The final challenge tackles this very issue. 
 
“Given the volatility of the current economic climate. it is not surprising that the number of Australians able to make charitable donations is declining,” says AFC Economic Advisor, Simon O’Connor. “Alarmingly 93 per cent of our donations come from everyday Australians, so we are looking at how we can be more economically resilient and self sustaining, and ensure our cause survives.”  
 
The ACF is one of many non-profit organisations taking this approach, and as part of the final Student Challenge they are now calling on all business and accounting university students to get involved, and help provide real and feasible financial strategies to combat this potential crisis.  
 
“The Student Challenge is a great opportunity for students to use their creative talents and develop solutions for genuine issues charities such as ours face today,” continues O’Connor. 
 
The final Student Challenge for ACF will be revealed on Monday, 26 May 2008; in the meantime it’s up to you to accept the challenge and head to www.figureditoutyet.com.au to register your details before you miss out.  
 
So go on, dare yourself to take part...we challenge you!