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 32,000 students benefit from the NAF Approach at 176 Academies of Finance nationwide.
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:
A NAF Academy of Finance educator helps a student with an in-class assignment
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.
NAF Academy of Finance students at a KPMG internship

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.

Our Students and Alumni

Portrait of Academy of Finance student Yaa B
“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
Headshot of Ashley Elliot
“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

Our Impact

32,921

Students in 176 Academies

99%

of Seniors Graduated

89%

Plan to Go to College

A group of students smile for a group photo.

Ready to join a NAF Academy of Finance? The only requirement to join a NAF academy is a desire to do so!

Industry Need

Our career pathways support growing industries and the needs of the local community. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics*, Employment in business and financial operations occupations is projected to grow faster than the average of all occupations from 2022 to 2032, adding about 911,100 new jobs, and has a median annual wage of $77K. Globalization, a growing economy, and a complex tax and regulatory environment will lead to strong demand for accountants and auditors.

911K

New Jobs by 2031*

$77K

Median Annual Wage*

Academy of Finance Curriculum Collaborators

Essential partners supporting NAF’s Academy of Finance curriculum include:
A NAF Academy of Information Technology student poses for a photo in front of coursework on the board about the programming process

Explore Our Career Pathways

Explore our other NAF academy career pathways and programs of study.
NAF students, educators, and staff in a classroom
Learn about the benefits of starting a NAF academy in your high school or district.
A volunteer helps NAF students navigate their hands-on learning project

Volunteer

Are you an industry expert or community leader? Find out how you can give back.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website and other media. For more information, please read our privacy policy.

You are leaving NAF.org

If you choose to click “Continue”, you will be redirected to an external website that is not under NAF’s jurisdiction and may have privacy policies that are different from NAF’s. Would you like to continue?
Search

Fund a Future

Support the dreams of more than 113,000 students nationwide. Your investment provides high school students of all backgrounds and capabilities with access to equal opportunities for successful futures and prepares them to be the leaders of tomorrow. Donate Today!

Donate Now