NAF Academy of Finance

The 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.

Embedded YouTube video of students and staff discussing Monticello High School’s Academy of Finance program

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

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

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

For 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

Grade 11

AOF Accounting*
SUNY Sullivan Computer Applications*

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

Grade 12

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