Career and Technology Center

As a member of the National Academy Foundation, www.naf.org the Academy of Finance is an academic program which addresses the needs of the financial services industries by helping students gain a better understanding of financial business. Here, students are able to improve analytical, technical, and communication skills which are needed in the workplace.

Along with their required courses, Academy of Finance students take one or two specialized courses each semester and a college-level course in their senior year. Students are also strongly encouraged to take at least three years of mathematics, one year of accounting, and a semester of computer applications, as well as study a foreign language. Academies are organized to encourage students to work together in an interdisciplinary project-based approach in order to become engaged in learning.

Students attend the Academy both in the 11 th and 12 th grade and work in a paid internship during the summer between the two levels. AOF students follow a curriculum that is intensive in economic and business principles, which provides them with a comprehensive picture of career options available within the industry. Course components include Economics, Financial Planning, International Finance, Banking & Credit, Securities Operations, and Theory for Financial Decision Making. Students are also provided with hands-on activities by participating in the internship and various job-shadowing opportunities throughout the school year. We also encourage our students to enroll in Accounting courses in their home schools. Upon successful completion of the program, students receive 8 Maryland State Department of Education credits toward graduation. (One of these includes the required Frederick County Graduation Project.)

A comprehensive, standards-based high school career education sequence
Provided by NAF to all Academy schools via state-of-the-art technology
Developed by leading industry and education representatives
Covers industry-specific knowledge and general workplace competencies
Supplements and enhances college preparatory and diploma programs
Reviewed and updated regularly for industry relevance

Supported by NAF through on- and off-site workshops, dedicated staff, and membership guidelines.
Secure quality, paid internships for Academy students.
Support field trips, mentoring and shadowing experiences for students and teachers.
Sponsor fundraising events for student activities and scholarships.
Assist in curriculum development and revision.
Raise awareness of the Academy and build community support.

Earned based on an interview, attendance, and above-satisfactory fulfillment of coursework.
Provide hands-on experience and exposure to a range of career options.
Paid at minimum wage or higher for six to eight weeks during the summer.

This course helps to orient students to the world of work and school. It addresses their need to develop good work and study habits, prepare portfolios, use a variety of resources, develop career plans, start preparing for college, and develop solid interpersonal skills.

AP ECONOMICS
This course in macro- and microeconomics provides an understanding of how our market economy functions in a global setting. It provides students with a survey of economic concepts including all of the 22 basic principles recommended by the Joint Economic Council. In addition, a unit on capital markets will acquaint students with the role that various markets and securities play in our overall economic framework.

FINANCIAL PLANNING
This course introduces students to the financial planning process and components of a comprehensive financial plan. They will learn how to prepare a personal financial plan that includes saving, investing, borrowing, risk management (insurance), and retirement and estate planning.

SECURITIES OPERATIONS
This course focuses on the role of the operations department in a modern securities organization. Through a study of the structure of brokerage firms, the trading process, credit and margin practices, automated processes, and government regulations, students will gain an understanding of how a securities firm serves its customers and plays an important role in our economy. Students are given an opportunity to relate their knowledge of economics, accounting, and data processing to the operations process. Emphasis is placed on the skills and attitudes necessary for success in business and college.

THEORY FOR FINANCIAL DECISION MAKING
This course is designed to give students an opportunity to determine how financial statements can be analyzed to evaluate the financial performance of a business and to explore the theory behind the information found on these statements. Students will learn the purpose of each of the financial statements and analyze and interpret the data.

BANKING AND CREDIT
This course is a survey of the principles and practices of banking and credit in the United States. Students learn about the major functions of banks and other depository institutions, their in-house operations and procedures, central banking through the Federal Reserve System, and modern trends in the banking industry. The credit component provides an overview of credit functions and operations, including credit risk evaluation, loan creation, and debt collection.

INTERNATIONAL FINANCE
This course allows students to explore major components of the international financial system. It includes the study of foreign exchange markets, international financial markets, international banking, and the multinational corporation.

PAID SUMMER INTERNSHIP
A key requirement of the National Academy Foundation (NAF) model is a structured, supervised, paid internship that enhances classroom learning by providing “real-world” context. Students will apply their education by working in a professional supportive environment.

FREDERICK COMMUNITY COLLEGE ’S PRINCIPLES OF ACCOUNTING I
This college class presents concepts and procedures related to accounting theory and practice. It includes a detailed study of GAAP, the accounting cycle, preparation of financial statements, internal control, receivables and payables, inventories and depreciation. Students may elect instead to take the computerized accounting course.

Academic preparation
A strong background in both Algebra and written communication is recommended for success in this program. Accounting is also recommended but not required.

Notebook and paper
Composition books
Flash drive
Calculator
Tri-fold display boards

Additionally, students may have to pay for the required Accounting course to be taken at FCC during the 2 nd year of the program. There are sometimes scholarship opportunities available.

If students wish to write in the Advanced Placement books, they may also purchase these items.

For students/parents who are concerned about the ability to provide these items because of financial constraints, please contact the instructor regarding options.

ACADEMY OF FINANCE

Academy of Finance

Value Added

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