NAF Academy of Finance

National Academy of Finance logo

The NAF Academy of Finance at Monticello High School provides a flexible four year program that students can first enroll in at the end of eighth grade. It welcomes all students, regardless of future career interests. The skills acquired through participation in the NAF Academy of Finance are beneficial in any career path. Additionally, through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance “VITA” program, juniors and seniors learn about contributing to their community.

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 collaborates with local businesses to create and provide financial education opportunities for Monticello High School students. Opportunities within NAF Academy of Finance include a wide array of opportunities including paid internships, IRS tax preparer certification, job shadowing, guest speakers, field trips, event planning, and senior year mentoring among others. To learn more about the NAF Academy of Finance please contact the AOF program director through the main office of Monticello High School at 845-794-8840.

Academy Opportunities

To maximize the benefits of the Academy of Finance’s program, we advise students to enroll in courses beginning in grade 9. These classes run concurrently with the standard academic curriculum mandated by New York State for graduation from High School.

Internships

After successfully completing their junior year, students are eligible to apply to a paid internship at a local business. Through our internship program, students gain valuable opportunities, explore real-world experiences, investigate career interests, and develop essential skills.

Recent (Past) internships include summer employment at:

  • Kristt Kelly Office System Corp.
  • M.L. Zager P.C.
  • Pasta D’Oro
  • The Center for Discovery
  • Sullivan County Government Center
  • Sullivan Renaissance
  • Town of Mamakating Day Camp
  • Wechsler Pool Supply

College Credit

Students are required to take at least one SUNY Sullivan course. Financial assistance is available to those students who qualify.

Community Service

Students develop personal growth, participate in civic engagement, build connections, and enhance their college application by participating in community service activities.

Field Trips

NAF Academy of Finance students enjoy a range of field trip opportunities. Past visits have included financial landmarks such as the New York Stock Exchange, the Federal Reserve Bank, the 911 Museum and other interesting financial sites. Not to mention our local ‘landmarks’ such as SUNY Sullivan Community College, and Bethel Woods, just to name a few.

The benefits of the Academy include:

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

2023-24 Classes

a circular graphic with the number 99% in the middleFor over 20 years, our NAF Academy of Finance high school graduation rate has been at or near 100%. Check out our classes below for the 2024 – 2025 school year. It is never too early or too late to sign up!

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

Financial Decision Making “FDM”*

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

*Required Courses for NAFTrack Certification

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

Group photo of AOF organization.

Archives

Monticello High School Academy of Finance featured on Broadcast Retirement Network (3/7/2024)

Did you earn $64,000 or less last year? Get your taxes prepared for free through MHS’s AOF VITA program (1/25/24)

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)