Statistics and Research

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As of the 2010-2011 school year, NAF academies operate in 366 public high schools nationwide in 189 school districts in 40 states,the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

NAF supports a national network of:

  • 214 Academies of Finance
  • 75 Academies of Hospitality & Tourism
  • 106 Academies of Information Technology  
  • 36 Academies of Engineering
  • 35 Academies in Year of Planning process (set to enroll students 2011-2012)

 

Nearly 50,000 students participate in NAF academies with a population that is 56% male and 44% female.  64% of students are Black or Hispanic/Latino.

 

Research and evaluation confirm the effectiveness of NAF academies and the career-academy model: 

  • More than 90% of NAF students graduate from high school—compared to 50% in the urban areas where most NAF academies are located.
  • 4 out of 5 NAF students go on to college or other post-secondary education.
  • 52% of NAF graduates earn bachelor’s degrees in four years—compared with 32% nationally.
  • Of those who go on to post-secondary education, more than 50% are the first in their families to go to college.
  • 90%  of students report that the academies helped them to develop career plans.
  • 85% of 5 and 10 year alumni are working in a professional field.
  • Career-academy graduates sustained $16,704 more in total earnings over the 8 years following high school than non-academy group members who were also studied—11% more per year.
  • Young men from career-academies experienced increased earnings over 8 years totaling $30,000 – 17% more per year than non-academy group members studied – thanks to a combination of increased wages, hours worked, and employment stability.
  • An increased percentage of career-academy graduates live independently with children and a spouse or partner eight years following high school—young men, specifically, reported positive effects on marriage and parenting.
 
References:
Margaret Terry Orr, Thomas Bailey,  Katherine L. Hughes, Melinda Mechur Karp, and Gregory S. Kienzl. 2004. The National Academy Foundation’s Career Academie’s: Shaping Postsecondary Transitions. Institute on Education and the Economy, Teachers College, Columbia University.
 
James J. Kemple with Cynthia Willner. 2008. Career Academies: Long-Term Impacts on Labor Market Outcomes, Educational Attainment, and Transitions to Adulthood. MDRC.
 

View the MDRC news release regarding the study:

http://www.mdrc.org/press_releases/19/press_release_19.html

 

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Featured Event

Groundhog Job Shadow

Feb 02, 2012 (All day)

Each February, NAF participates in National Groundhog Job Shadow Day (NGJSD), a national campaign that gives young people a new perspective on their studies through hands-on learning and a one-day mentoring experience.   >

Students are paired with a mentor who they will "shadow" throughout the day to experience how the skills they learn in the classroom can be applied to the real world. This event also provides an opportunity to introduce future employees to the vast array of careers available as well as supporting community efforts.  >

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