NAF Academy of Finance

National Academy of Finance logoThe Monticello High School NAF Academy of Finance is a flexible four-year program that students can first apply to at the end of eighth grade. It is open to all students, regardless of future career interests as the skills obtained through participation in the NAF Academy of Finance are beneficial in all career choices. The NAF Academy of Finance offers hands-on finance curriculum including SUNY Sullivan college courses. AOF seniors learn about contributing positively to their community by becoming IRS certified through the VITA program to prepare tax returns for qualified individuals.

This program is a member program of NAF, which was founded in New York City by a partnership of schools and the financial services industry. There are over 600 NAF Academies in the United States.

Our Academy works with local businesses and both education and government leaders to design and offer financial education opportunities for Monticello High School students through job shadowing, guest speakers, field experiences, senior year mentoring, and a summer internship program. To learn more about the NAF Academy of Finance, please email director Susan Bahrenburg at sbahrenburg@k12mcsd.net.

Academy Requirements

    • To take full advantage of all the benefits the program offers, we recommend students join in grade 9. 
    • Grade 11: full year of Accounting and SUNY Sullivan Computer Applications.
    • Grade 12: Financial Decision Making/International Business and Principles of Hospitality and Tourism/Sustainable Tourism

Lynka Rivera with high school students.

Courses

Students may take courses in Accounting, Delivering Great Customer Service/Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Financial Decision Making/International Business, Principles of Hospitality and Tourism/Sustainable Tourism, SUNY Sullivan Computer Applications, and SUNY Sullivan Financial Accounting. These courses are taken in addition to the regular academic classes required by New York State for graduation. 

Internship

Students meeting mentors.After successfully completing their junior year, students are eligible for a paid internship at a local business. 

College Credit

Students are required to take at least one SUNY Sullivan course. The courses are offered at our high school. Financial assistance is available for those students who qualify. NAF Academy of Finance seniors have the potential of graduating with 7 college credits for 2 SUNY Sullivan classes.

Community Service

Students are required to participate in community service activities that contribute to the economic development of our county.

Field Trips

NAF Academy of Finance students have the opportunity to go on a variety of field trips. In the past, students have visited the New York Stock Exchange, the Federal Reserve, the Museum of Financial History, Citigroup’s Corporate Headquarters, Met Life Insurance, Baruch College’s Academy of Finance Student Conference, 911 Memorial Museum, BlackRock and NAF Headquarters.

The benefits of the Academy include:

  • Paid internships
  • Scholarships
  • IRS tax preparer certification
  • Job shadow opportunities
  • College courses
  • Alumni & community member guest speakers
  • Advisory Board mentor program
  • Field trips
  • Event planning, including fundraising experiences
  • Participation in extracurricular club activities
  • Opportunity to become a student leader
  • Resume preparation and mock interview
  • Career exploration and informational interviews
  • College tours
  • Business dress, behavior, & etiquette training
  • Potential to earn national certification recognized by major corporations
  • Access to a growing network of business professionals as an AOF alumnus

2023-24 Classes

a circular graphic with the number 99% in the middleFor over 20 years, our AOF high school graduation rate has been at or near 100%. Check out our classes below for the 2023-2024 school year. It’s never too early or too late to sign up.
sbahrenburg@k12mcsd.net
(845)-794-8840, x10849

Grades 9 & 10

AOF Entrepreneurship
AOF Delivering Great Customer Service/Marketing

a student is sitting at a desk with a pencil in her hand and smiling at the cameraGrade 11

AOF Accounting*
SUNY Sullivan Computer Applications*

Any class offered to grades 9 & 10 may be taken in grade 11

Grade 12 a student is sitting at a desk and writing

AOF Financial Decision Making/International Business*
AOF Principles of Hospitality and Tourism/Sustainable Tourism*
SUNY Sullivan Financial Accounting

Any class offered to grades 9, 10, and 11 may be taken in grade 12.

*Required

What can the AOF offer you? 

 

Organizational Chart

NAF Academy of Finance Instructors:

  • Susan Bahrenburg, AOF Director
  • Annette Schoellig

Advisory Board Members

  • Regina Brookins
  • John Camera, alumnus
  • Joseph D’Abbraccio, alumnus
  • Jonathan Farrow
  • Evadne Giannini
  • Daniel Gilbert, alumnus
  • Susan Horton
  • Karla Leon, alumnus
  • Bradlyn Matican, alumnus
  • Laura Quigley
  • Chris Schmidt
  • Jane Sorensen
  • John Veleber
  • Stephen Wilder

Archives

AOF students attend NYSSCPA’s annual career day in NYC (5/12/23)

MHS Academy of Finance students save community members $42K in tax preparation fees (4/20/23)

MHS Academy of Finance students complete a busy and engaging first semester (2/7/2023)

MHS NAF Academy of Finance students learn business dining etiquette during field trip (12/9/2022)

MHS NAF Academy of Finance Students Offer Free Tax Services (1/24/2022)

MCSD NAF Academy of Finance announces scholarship winners (7/1/2021)

Spectrum News covers the Academy of Finance’s VITA program (3/5/2021)

Join the AOF for Friday Kahoot Trivia Nights (2/23/2021)

Did you make less than $57,000 last year? Get your taxes prepared for free  (1/29/2021)

Build a snowman, win a prize from the AOF (12/15/2021)

Monticello students get hands-on experience and connect with department directors at the Kartrite Resort (1/16/2020)

Academy of Finance Seniors Offer Free Tax Services  (1/13/2020)

AOF students attend YEG symposium (11/22/19)

AOF accounting students head to the big apple (11/14/19) 

Academy of Finance students get interview crash course from LEGOLAND (10/2/19) 

Runners and restaurants collide at “A Taste of Sullivan County 5K” (5/24/19)

AOF students visit NYC (5/24/19)

AOF alumnus returns to visit with students (5/20/19)

Advisory Board member conducts student mock interviews (5/20/19)

Senior AOF students honored at annual reception (5/16/19)

AOF students celebrate FBLA day with Binghamton Devils (2/28/19)

Alumna Brasington visits MHS AOF (1/8/19)

Dress for success: Advice from a local businesswoman (10/16/2017)

AOF students visit Sullivan County farms (9/22/2017)