Shades Valley HS Finance Academy

The National Academy Foundation (NAF) was created as a partnership between business leaders and educators to address the need to prepare students for professional careers. NAF serves over 50,000 students in over 500 Academies in 41 states and the District of Columbia in urban schools through small learning communities. The National Academy Foundation operates four Academies: the Academy of Finance, the Academy of Hospitality & Tourism, the Academy of Information Technology, and the Academy of Engineering. Employees of more than 2,500 corporations are involved with local Academies, securing internships, volunteering in classrooms, acting as mentors and serving on local Advisory Boards. The NAF curriculum contains essential content based on industry and educational expertise. NAF’s record of success with 90% graduation rates and more than 80% of these graduates going on to college, has garnered the support of corporations and public policy makers, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Established in 1982, the Academy of Finance prepares students for post-secondary education and careers through a theme-based, contextualized curriculum approach. Academic learning experiences are combined with hands-on work experience to help students develop the thinking and problem-solving skills so critical to postsecondary education and career success. 
The Academy of Finance introduces high school students to the broad career opportunities of the financial services industry, opening the door to new options and equipping students to make sound choices for the future.  The Academy of Finance operates as a small learning community and is located in more than 260 high schools nationwide.
Technology has revolutionized the financial services industry, creating demanding positions in need of talented applicants who have mastered both the technical and soft skills, including the ability to communicate effectively, solve problems, and work as team members. As the financial services field continues to grow, this professional and technical knowledge is more critical than ever, and can often make the difference in a highly competitive job market.
Throughout the last 20 years, the Academy of Finance has helped meet these needs by preparing high school students for successful careers in financial services and in other fields. The Academy experience provides students with the curriculum and guidance necessary for rewarding careers through intensive study with teachers and industry mentors. Students leave the Academy program with well-honed, highly marketable skills, based on a solid understanding of the connections that exist between their education and the workplace.