West Forsyth Academy of Finance

The Finance Academy at West Forsyth 3 year academic program Augments standard curricula 1 or 2 specialized courses each semester Financial Literacy Certification W!se, Everfi Advanced level courses in the senior year Opportunity for NAF TRACK Certification Summer internships (for credit, maybe pay) Job shadowing, speakers, and field trips Use this slide to: highlight features of the AOF program and how these features would be implemented locally. (CUSTOMIZE to include your local program features) 2-4 year academic program Augments standard curricula Students take 1 or 2 specialized courses each semester Students have the opportunity to take college-level courses in their senior year The 6-8 week paid internship provides students with context-based learning, therefore connecting the classroom to the workplace Students have other opportunities for experience-based learning though job shadowing, mentoring and field trips

How Do Academy Students Benefit? Builds motivation, confidence, sense of personal worth Leads students from all backgrounds to success Allows students a community with the larger school of peers and teachers Provides a framework of study that meshes with a variety of academic pursuits Connects students to adult role models and mentors Use this slide to: explain the benefits for Academy students. The Academy provides a context for learning and so connects the classroom with the outside world. Because of this: Students are motivated, and successful, and that success builds confidence and a sense of personal worth NAF levels the playing field, giving students from all backgrounds the opportunity to benefit from exposure and connections they might otherwise be without Contextual learning helps students understand complex concepts through “real-world” applications, and therefore is an especially powerful (and empowering) tool for those who aren’t reaching their full potential Students are supported in their small learning communities, and connected to adults who are invested in their development and success

What the statistics say…… 90% of NAF students graduate from high school 80% go on to college Over 50% earn a bachelors in 4 years 85% of 5 year and 10 year alums are working as professionals Career academy graduates earn about 10% more than non academy graduates in first years out of college www.naf.org

Activities Field Trips: Truliant Federal Credit Union Whole Foods Market Career in Sports Day – Spectrum Arena Grass America College Tours Job Shadowing Speakers Problem Based Learning Mentoring and Mock Interviews Field trip to New York City (Optional) Advanced classes (Forsyth Tech 12th grade year)

Answers to common questions The Finance Academy is a program for college bound students interested in business.  Students take some basic business classes in addition to their college prep coursework during their 10th, 11th and 12th grade years.  Students find and participate in their own internship (approval required) with assistance from faculty and an Advisory Board

NAF Track Certification Pre-interview and resume support Guaranteed interviews in equally qualified applicant pools Potentially expedited advancement in the hiring process Priority hiring among equally qualified applicant pools Potential for higher starting salaries Applicant feedback and coaching post interview College internship opportunities Support to ensure more NAFTrack Certified Graduates attend the postsecondary

NAF Track Certification (after COLLEGE graduation) Four years of theme-based, industry-vetted curricula Applied Finance, 635095 and Principles of Accounting, 635358 PLUS Either Any TWO from Forsyth Tech INT 110 International Business BUS 115 Business Law BUS 137 Principles of Management BAF 143 Financial Planning

Student qualifications Interest in business/professional world Application Process: Grades and behavior Recommendation from teacher Interview Willingness to commit for 3 years

Academy of Finance