HAMBURG ACADEMY OF FINANCE PROGRAM INFORMATION AND COURSE REQUIREMENTS
The National Academy of Finance program connects high school students with the world of financial services and personal finance, offering a curriculum that covers banking and credit, financial planning, securities, insurance, accounting, and economics. This three-year "school within a school" program allows students to learn universal business skills and knowledge with a focus on the financial industry. Our AOF students graduate from high school FUTURE READY!
In addition to the coursework, Academy of Finance members will have a vast array of work-based learning experiences to learn 21st century skills and become college and career ready. Field experiences throughout the program include leadership/teamwork building, industry tours, a stock market challenge, and a Senior year trip. In addition to these experiences, guest speakers, job shadow days, compensated internships, networking with Hamburg Finance Academy Advisory Board members, and the chance to work as a teller in the school student-run credit union all combine to create a unique opportunity for Hamburg High School students.
AOF PRINCIPLES OF FINANCE - 10TH GRADE - 20 WEEKS
This is the first course students take in the Academy of Finance and introduces students to the financial world. Students develop financial literacy as they learn about the function of finance in society. Students learn basic personal finance topics including budgeting, depository institutions, paychecks, credit and more. They also research how innovations have changed the financial services field. Finally, students explore careers that exist in finance today.
AOF MOBILE APP DEVELOPMENT/COMPUTER APPLICATIONS - 10TH GRADE - 20 WEEKS (College-Credit)
Knowledge of computer applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and Publisher are a requirement, not an option, in the Business World. This course will teach students how to create professional documents that not only increase communication effectiveness, but IMPRESS the reader as well. Students will also learn to create mobile applications for phones. Academy of Finance students will have the opportunity to earn three college credits upon successful completion of the Advance Studies Course.
AOF PRINCIPLES OF ACCOUNTING - 11TH GRADE - FULL YEAR
This course will have students acting as staff accountants as they make their way through the entire accounting cycle. Learn the importance of GAAP, payroll procedures, taxes and automated accounting systems. Automated accounting software will be used to complete a real-world accounting simulation. Accounting students will have opportunities to meet with a variety of accounting professionals through guest speakers and field experiences
AOF COLLEGE SUCCESS SKILLS - 11TH GRADE - 20 WEEKS (College Credit)
B.E.E.P. / College Success Skills is a portfolio development course where students will highlight their achievements, gain experience in the interviewing process, and establish contacts with the business community. Successful completion of the portfolio will result in a Certificate of Employability, which proves students meet college and workplace 21st century skills. Academy of Finance students will have the opportunity
AOF BUSINESS ECONOMICS - 12TH GRADE - 20 WEEKS
Business Economics introduces students to the key concepts of economics as they pertain to business. This course discusses the American economy and the factors that influence the success of businesses and products. It describes forms of business ownership, discusses the relationship of labor and business, and provides a broad overview of the global economy. Students also examine careers in business, both as employees and as business owners. This course will count as Academy members' required Economics Course and will be taught through the Social Studies Department.
AOF FINANCIAL PLANNING - 12 GRADE - 20 WEEKS (College-Level Course)
This capstone Academy course will provide the opportunity for students to apply their knowledge of the financial industry as they develop a comprehensive financial plan for their future. Advanced topics studied in this course will include the securities market, risk management, retirement and estate planning. Academy of Finance students will have the opportunity to earn three college credits upon successful completion of the Advance Studies Course.
AOF INTERNSHIP - JUNIOR YEAR AND UP
An internship is a vital part of NAF experience. Internships allow students to apply work-readiness and academic skills and learn specific occupational skills in a workplace setting. Internships are paid or offer some form of compensation to students in order to provide an authentic work experience. Internships occur during 11th or 12th grade years, most typically during the summer between the 11th and 12th grade. Academy students MUST complete an internship in order to graduate from the Academy of Finance program.