By Amit Chowdhry
NAF is a national education non-profit that brings schools and businesses together to better prepare students of all backgrounds and capabilities for future success. Pulse 2.0 interviewed NAF Chief Program Officer Dirk Butler to gain a deeper understanding of the non-profit.
45th Anniversary
NAF celebrates its 45th anniversary this year. This is a big milestone! Why do you think it’s lasted so long, and what are a few reasons why it’s remained popular among students? Butler said:
“Thank you! Over our history, NAF has played a vital role in transforming education, by blending academic learning with career preparation, better equipping students for any post-secondary pathway they may choose. Our sustained growth stems from our commitment to innovation, leveraging technology, and data-driven resources to enhance learning experiences.”
“Education and workforce landscapes are constantly changing, and while our mission remains steadfast, NAF continues to adapt to meet the needs of students, educators, communities, and industry partners. We can’t do this independently, and partnership is at the center of our growth and impact. By collaborating alongside business partners who support work-based learning initiatives, we not only create access to opportunities for students but also help companies build strong talent pipelines.”
Formation Of NAF
When/where did NAF start and who founded it? Butler shared:
“Our Founder and Chairman Emeritus, Sanford I. ‘Sandy’ Weill, partnered with the New York City Board of Education in 1980 to establish the first NAF Academy of Finance at John Dewey High School in Brooklyn. At the time, the finance industry in New York was booming, and financial services companies were struggling to fill jobs.”
“That first NAF Academy of Finance paved the way for exponential growth, and for over four decades, NAF has championed a movement for immersive, career-focused education, integrating work-based learning into the high school curricula.”
Growth Of The Non-Profit
How has NAF grown over the years and how many academies and pathways does it currently have? Butler pointed out:
“NAF has grown from one NAF Academy of Finance in New York City to hundreds of academies across the country focusing on growing industries including finance, hospitality & tourism, information technology, engineering, and health sciences; and support programs of study that are aligned with the National Career Clusters Framework. During the 2024-25 school year, over 112,000 students attended over 600 NAF academies across 34 states and territories.”
Benefits For Students
What kind of students sign up for NAF academies? And what are the benefits these academies offer students? Butler explained:
“The NAF academy structure promotes open enrollment and there are no prerequisites or fees for students joining a NAF academy. The only requirement to join a NAF academy is a desire to do so! Our academies offer popular career pathways that focus on growing industries and the workforce needs of their communities, small classroom sizes, and student-centered design. Students can apply in middle school or at any point in their high school journey.”
“NAF academies nationwide prepare high school students to be college, career, and future ready through career-connected learning, that aligns with workforce needs. By providing students with access to opportunities, we embolden them to explore their professional aspirations and prime them for success.”
Preparing Students For A Future Outside Of College
Not all students go to college after high school. How is NAF preparing students for futures that don’t include college? Butler noted:
“NAF is where opportunity begins! Inside the classroom, students engage in hands-on learning experiences. Beyond the classroom, they develop future-ready skills and gain industry-specific knowledge that prepares them for success in any career pathway they choose.”
“NAF academies connect students directly with industry professionals and real-world career experiences through internships, mentoring, resume building, mock interviews, and more. These experiences provide critical exposure to career options and workplace connections that enhance their success.”
“Our design consists of four elements: academy development and structure, curriculum and instruction, advisory boards, and work-based learning and internships. At the heart of NAF’s approach is the belief that if you can see it, you can be it! Through exposure to career options, developing Future Ready Skills, and creating critical workplace connections, NAF believes we can prime the next generation of leaders to be successful – no matter what pathway they choose.”
Percentage Of Students Going To College
What percentage of today’s NAF students go to college? Do you have any stats to show how these academies are preparing them for future jobs? Butler assessed:
“In 2024, NAF academies reported 99% of seniors graduated, with 90% of graduates planning to go to college.”
“According to our most recent NAF Student Survey Field Guide, nearly 80% of student respondents indicated that work-based learning experiences helped them identify and build career skills, as well as helped them explore a possible career. Additionally, NAF alumni overwhelmingly indicated that work-based learning experiences helped develop skills for any future career.”
Tech Pathways
NAF has a lot of pathways for students to explore. I know that technology has always been a big focus. What kind of technology-related pathways do you offer and how many students are in these tech pathways? Butler described:
“Our Information Technology pathway advances hands-on learning in areas such as Cybersecurity, coding, web and digital design, computer networks, and programming, and more.”
“Students in our NAF Academies of Information Technology are connected to current workforce trends, industry experts, and projects that address real-world issues, and better prepare them for success. More than 24,000 students are enrolled in the Academy of Information Technology at 103 high school academies across 16 states.”
“Additionally, our NAF Academies of Engineering enable students to learn about the various fields and gain the skills needed to have a leg up! The curricula explores principles of engineering and provides content in the fields of electronics, biotech, aerospace, civil engineering, and architecture. Over 12,500 students currently enrolled in 89 NAF Academies of Engineering across 19 states benefit from the NAF approach to Future Ready Learning!”
Interesting Learnings
What are some cool things students are learning in these tech academies? Butler affirmed:
“Students in our NAF Academies of Information Technology are connected to current workforce trends, industry experts, and projects that address real-world issues, and better prepare them for success. NAF Academy of Information Technology learners explore various aspects of IT including coding, computer systems, graphic design, and web development.”
“Students build future ready skills and social capital through experiences such as the Hour of Code activities, robotics competitions, mentorship, and more, while connecting with industry professionals.”
Evolving Technology
How is NAF adapting to evolving technology like AI and how is it preparing students for future jobs that might include AI or other types of new technology? Butler observed:
We have seen that not only are more teachers adopting AI in CTE programs, but there’s likely to be a larger focus on helping students navigate these tools. Practical exercises using AI, such as NAF’s recent KnoPro Challenge, is a great example of what this could look like) or an emphasis on Future Ready Skills, such as problem solving, communication, and social awareness, that help students understand how to use AI more efficiently, and the limits of language learning models will be an important anchor to prepare students for their futures. In the works, we also have Google AI units being developed for all pathways. More to come!
Future Goals
Looking ahead, what are some of NAF’s future goals? Butler emphasized:
“Our top priority remains creating bright futures for our students. With increasing attention on the future of education and the workforce, NAF is positioned at the intersection of these conversations.”
“We recognize that access to the right class, the right internship, or the right mentor can be life changing. Our focus is on expanding work-based learning experiences to ensure that students can define their career paths and achieve long-term success. Additionally, we aim to strengthen partnerships across the broader CTE field. By building coalitions and fostering collaboration, we can create even more opportunities for students nationwide.”
“Ultimately, our success is measured by the stories of NAF students who become alumni and remain engaged in our network. These industry connections, mentorships, and experiences extend far beyond graduation, preparing young minds for success in whatever path they choose. As we look ahead, we remain dedicated to expanding our reach and ensuring that every student has the tools to be future ready.”
Additional Thoughts
Anything else you would like to add? Butler concluded:
“Learn more at naf.org and follow us on social @NAFCareerAcads.”