Academy of Finance

NAF’s Academy of Finance is the longest-running and largest of our career pathways.

The Future of Finance

NAF Academy of Finance students have access to career-focused curricula and participate in work-based learning. As alumni, they have worked for global Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, and public service organizations. More than 31,000 students benefit from the NAF Approach at 171 Academies of Finance nationwide.

Our Approach

The NAF Approach is simple. Our Academies of Finance are small learning communities within high schools or districts that support students in igniting their aspirations, growing professional and industry skills, and connecting with industry experts through career-focused curricula and work-based learning:

Career-Connected Curricula

Our Academy of Finance curricula align with competencies identified by industry partners, professional organizations, and postsecondary institutions as essential for success in college and career. Our curricula includes Finance, Accounting, and Entrepreneurship, and Insurance Authentic learning projects in partnership with career experts like Finance Expeditions.

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Work-Based Learning

Our students build future ready skills and social capital to fuel their aspirations through hands-on learning experiences such as business design projects and competitions, internships, mentorship, financial literacy programs, and more while connecting with industry professionals to make informed choices and be successful in their future careers.

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Our Students and Alumni

“Even if I don’t pursue anything in finance, I know how to plan my finances, I know how to invest my money, I know how to protect myself against financial losses. And I just know how the industry works because my teacher once told me, business is in every institution.”

Yaa B.
NAF Academy of Finance Student

“Through NAF, I was offered a paid internship at Wells Fargo, where I met real-life accountants and got to experience what it was like to work in the banking industry. This initial exposure to the workforce taught me early on the important role a great career can play in a great life.”

Ashley Elliot, Accounting Manager at Thorn, Academy of Finance, Class of 2011