Elmira, NY (WENY) — The Academy of Finance here at the Elmira High School is aimed at helping kids find their future careers and also preparing them for their adult life.
The Academy of Finance, part of the National Academy Foundation Network Has started classes at Elmira High School. Students accepted into the program take classes focused on the finance industry.
Cheryl Sweeney, business teacher and co-founder of the Elmira High School program says “they[the students] take a prescribed path, they have a focus when they are done with high school and ready for graduation. They have an idea of what they’d like to do even if it’s not finance, which our academy is about, even if it’s not the topic of finance, there is finance in everything and it certainly will give them a leg up no matter what path they decide to choose.”
The Academy includes lessons focused on rigorous, industry based curriculum that prepares their students for higher level education and potential career opportunities.
Shamar Greene, a student and Corning Credit Union intern, says “there are some challenges to it but as long as you work hard in it and you just try it will become easier.”
Students are also able to get real-life experience through internships offered to juniors and seniors. Several are available including working for the Corning Credit Union right inside of the school’s walls.
Julia Holleran, another student and Corning Credit Union intern, “says her internship with the union shows me what I want to do when I’m older whether it is something I do want to pursue later on in life, but I think it’s a good opportunity to have.”
Teachers of the program also say the academy offers benefits to students applying to colleges and partner companies of the National Academy Foundation- setting the academy’s students apart from other applicants.