BROWARD COUNTYACADEMY OF FINANCE

PARENT/STUDENT INFORMATION PACKET

Mission Statement

To develop mutually rewarding relationships between the private sector and Academy students throughout Broward County by partnering highly motivated students with local business leaders creating a refreshing spirit of community that is good for business and good for education.

PROFILE & HISTORY

The Academy of Finance began as an idea responding to the times by creating a possible solution to a challenge occurring in the financial services industry in the early 1980s. There were a number of young people hanging out in the streets after school with nothing to do, yet it was difficult to find employees for the industry’s many basic “back office” jobs. It occurred to Sanford I. Weill, a prominent chairman of a major financial services company, that a school program linking students to those jobs through internships and class work would address several social and economic issues at once, with no perceivable down side. Mr. Weill approached the New York City Board of Education Chancellor with the idea. Soon the idea was put into action and an Academy of Finance was born. The Academy of Finance spread from one high school to several others, starting in New York, then Florida, and now it exists across the nation.

Today American corporations still face a shortage of skilled workers. Developments in the financial professions have expanded the range of services offered through a variety of venues to the public. In turn, these developments have extended the job opportunities available. In this atmosphere of dynamic change, the financial services industry will require thousands of new employees. The Academy of Finance is a vital source of skilled personnel into which the burgeoning financial industry can tap in order to meet the challenge of a rapidly changing business world.

BROWARD COUNTY

Broward County piloted the Academy of Finance program at Northeast and Piper High Schools in the fall of 1985. Today the program has expanded to include Boyd Anderson, Cooper City, Coral Glades, Cypress Bay, Deerfield Beach, Flanagan, Taravella, McArthur, Plantation, Stoneman Douglas, and Western High Schools and is one of the most successful Academy programs in the nation.

From the beginning, the schools, the parents, and the business community have been committed to building a successful program. The Academy of Finance students are enthusiastic about the curriculum and are excelling in many of their projects.

In addition to their regular class work, students have the opportunity to attend a variety of professional business functions throughout Broward County. They participate in an Annual Career and Technical Student Conference held at the Broward County Convention Center, address financial professionals, visit American Express, attend awards presentations, participate in seminars presented at Nova Southeastern University, compete in the Stock Market Game and visit a financial center on an exchange field trip. In addition, the students receive an official Certificate of Completion for Financial Studies.

The Academy of Finance provides a two-year specialized program of study in finance at the high school level and includes the fulfillment of both required and elective credits. The two-year program begins with introductory class work in the eleventh year, includes a paid, on-the-job internship at a financial services firm and culminates with more advanced courses in the senior year of high school.

The Academy of Finance program extends far beyond a course of study. It establishes an ongoing relationship involving corporate executives, school personnel, parents and students, resulting in greatly improved employment opportunities.

Upon completion of the program students may apply for a position in the finance industry or further their studies in finance at the college level.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE

SOPHOMORE YEAR JUNIOR YEAR SENIOR YEAR

*Financial and Business Technology

English III English IV

*Accounting Applications I Financial Operations (Honors) Personal Financial Planning (Honors)

Accounting Applications I Economics/American Government

Financial and Business Technology

Between the Junior and Senior Year

Financial Internship (Honors)

*Students can begin the program as sophomores (where offered).

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

SOPHOMORE YEAR

FINANCIAL AND BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY

This course provides the student with a basic knowledge of computer applications. Hands-on data entry and microcomputer applications using commercially prepared software packages are covered. Heavy emphasis is placed on financial applications using business software packages.

JUNIOR YEAR

ENGLISH III

English III (Financial) is a one-year course of study in American literature (selected works are finance related) combined with an emphasis on oral, as well as written communication. Students are prepared for the world of work through a series of lessons on resume preparation and job-interview techniques. (Regular, Honors, or Advanced Placement.)

FINANCIAL OPERATIONS (HONORS)

The financial aspect of this course presents topics in macro and microeconomics, and the principles and practices of banking and credit in the United States. Additional emphasis is placed on money, credit and banking, economic growth and stability, taxation, budgeting, loan management relations and international trade. The students become familiar with the major functions of banks and other financial intermediaries, central banking by the Federal Reserve System and modern trends in the banking industry. The students are introduced to credit functions, principles of credit risk evaluation, loan creation, debt collection, and stocks and bonds.

ACCOUNTING APPLICATIONS I

This is a basic accounting course. Focus is on the accounting cycle for both business and manufacturing industries through trial balance and adjusting entries. Students learn how to use special journals, ledgers, and control accounts. In addition, they prepare financial statements for single proprietors, partnerships and corporations. An emphasis is placed on the analysis and interpretation of financial reports.

Between Junior and Senior Year

FINANCIAL INTERNSHIP (HONORS)

The financial internship course provides the students with the opportunity to demonstrate human relations, communications, and employability skills necessary for entry-level employment in the financial services industry. Additionally, it will enhance the instruction and competencies developed through classroom teaching. This financial internship is offered to run during the summer months or during the senior year.

SENIOR YEAR

PERSONAL FINANCIAL PLANNING (HONORS)

This course develops an awareness of the need for care and organization in planning for the wise use of economic resources through a study of savings, credit, insurance, banking and financial goals. The student is provided with the concepts needed to understand commercial consumer credit functions and basic operations. The students are made aware of the career opportunities offered by lending institutions.

ENGLISH IV (Finance)

English IV (Finance) is a one-year course of study in British literature (selected works are finance related) combined with an emphasis on oral as well as written communication. Students are preparing for college by writing scholarship essays. Additionally students read biographies or autobiographies of individuals who were significant in the financial world. (Regular, Honors, or Advanced Placement.)

ECONOMICS(One Term)

Students will develop an understanding for the interplay of supply and demand; the role competition has on our free enterprise system, and the controlling economic forces at play in the market place. Economic concepts such as specialization, comparative advantage, division of labor, market failure, savings and investments, labor, capital, land, inflation and depression will be developed.

AMERICAN GOVERNMENT(One Term)

This course will provide students with the opportunity to acquire an understanding of American government and political behavior. Content will include, but are not limited to, an analysis of documents which shape our political traditions, a comparison of the roles local, state, and national branches of government have on government policy, an understanding of the role political parties and interests have in determining government policy, how the rights and responsibilities of citizens in a democratic state have evolved and been interpreted, and the importance of civic participation in the democratic political process.

SCHOLARSHIP PROVIDERS

Broward County Academy of Finance Advisory Board

Citigroup Smith BarneyAmerican Express Bank AtlanticAmerican National Bank Regent BankTransHire, Inc. Sawgrass Association of Insurance & Financial AdvisorsState Farm Insurance Washington MutualKraus & Goldberg Broward Community CollegeKramer & Associates Art Institute

Local and State

Broward Education FoundationGold Seal/Bright Futures

National

Citigroup Academy of Finance Scholarship $20,000

ARTICULATION

Johnson and Wales University

Students who receive a Certificate of Completion from Broward’s Academy of Finance program may earn 13.5 credits at Johnson and Wales University.

CRITERIA FOR SELECTION

• Commitment to a two-year program.

• Average or above average achievement.

• Exemplary numerical skills.

• Excellent attendance.

• Teacher recommendation.

• Age 16 prior to end of junior year.

• Student must have social security number.

HOW TO APPLY

Those students wishing to apply to the Academy of Finance need to complete the application form provided in this packet and submit it to their Academy of Finance instructor as soon as possible. Each student's application will be reviewed and school records examined. A personal interview will be scheduled for those students meeting the criteria for selection.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN FINANCE AND ECONOMICS

The concentration in finance prepares students for a wide variety of careers which are satisfying, important, monetarily rewarding and provide substantial opportunities for advancement. College graduates in this major are heavily recruited to assume professional positions. Listed below are some of the categories in the Financial Services Industry:

Brokerage Firms Investment CompaniesCommercial Banks Mortgage CompaniesCommercial Credit Institutions Real Estate FirmsCredit Bureaus Savings and Loan AssociationsInsurance Companies Trust Companies

Please review this partial list of job titles. Although many of them require more than a high school education, one should be aware of some of the opportunities in finance.

Account Reconcilement Specialist Compliance Officer New Account RepresentativeAccounting Assistant Corporate Banking Term Leader New Accounts ClerkAccounting Division Director Corporate Trust Administrative Operations AnalystAccounting/Financial Analyst Correspondent Banking Manager Operations ManagerAccounts Payable/Payroll Spec. Credit Administrator Payroll Deduction SpecialistApplication Specialist Credit Analyst Personal BankerAssistant Operation Manager Data Entry Operator Personal Trust Administration OfficerATM Operation Group Data Processing Supervisor Personal Trust New Business OfficerATM Specialist Deposit Processor Portfolio ManagerBank Investment Operation Deposit Service Analyst Proof Adjustment SpecialistBank Services Representative EFS Analyst RealtorBank Services Section Manager Financial Consultant Realtor/AssociateBond Trader Funds Control Analyst Reconciliation SpecialistBranch Automation Manager Funds Control Clerk Records Room SpecialistBranch Automation Trader Funds Control Manager Regional Loan Recovery ManagerBranch Division Director In-Charge Clerk Residential Real Estate Loan OfficerBranch Manager Insurance Agent Sales Assistant (Financial Consultant)Branch Operations Officer International Banking Officer Securities TraderBrokerage Cashier Investment Advisor Share Draft ManagerCash Management Analyst Investors Services Trader Share Draft SpecialistCash Management Calling Officer Letter of Credit Clerk Staff AuditorCash Management Sales Manager Loan Administrator Student Loan AdministratorCash Vault Operations Manager Loan Closer Support Division DirectorCentral Branch Manager Loan Counselor Trust Operations OfficerCentral Loan Supervisor Loan Disbursement Specialist Trust RepresentativeCentral Member Services Loan Division Director Vault ClerkChief Executive Officer Loan Operations Specialist Word ProcessingChief Financial Officer Loan ProcessorCollection Manager Loan Recovery SpecialistCollection Specialist Member Service SupervisorCollector Money Market TradersCommercial Loan Officer Monitor & Control Specialist

BROWARD COUNTY ACADEMY OF FINANCE

SUMMER INTERNSHIP SPONSORS

ABS Lasco, Inc. Florida IV Services Pines MobileAlbertsons Freilich Insurance Agency Plantation Central ParkAll Action Real Estate FunScape Plantation Community SchoolAmerican Express Galdino Drywall Power SmoothieAmerican Express/Global Mail Solutions Gap Outlet Prudential SecuritiesAmerican National Bank Holland American Line PublixAnn’s Hallmark Holman Lincoln Mercury, Pompano Regent BankAnother Generation Hops Restaurant Rock Creek Animal HospitalAuto Medic Houstons Restaurant Ryder SystemsBank of America Huizenga Holdings, Inc. Sacino’s FormalwearBarnes & Noble – Starbucks Café Hyatt/Hamilton-Classic Residence Salomon Smith BarneyBaskin Robbins JJ Taylor Distributing Company Salon 100Beverly Hills Café JM Family Enterprises, Inc. Sawgrass LanesBig Lots Jacqueline Feldman Insurance SCA Dermatology CenterBreakers Hotel Jewish Community Center Shoes & StuffBroward Animal Control Johnny Geeze’s Siler & YaffeeBuckle Up Jotkoff Financial Group Skipper’s Ice Cream & EateryCB Smith Park Jungle Queen Sports AuthorityCamp Friendship Kenneth Cole Productions State FarmCamp Woodland Kentucky Fried Chicken SubliciousCentral Magnetic Imagining Kidz Exchange Surf City SqueezeCitiBank L.A. Communications TJ MaxxCiticorp Global Lady Foot Locker Teisch & AssociatesCitigroup Landmark Bank Temple Dor DorimCity of Deerfield Beach Lighthouse List Company TGI FridaysCity of Fort Lauderdale Luv n' Oven The Bodnar Group,Inc.Classics Deli Mark Group Catalog Outlet The Forum At Deer CreekCourtyard Marriott Martha’s Restaurant Tony RomasDJ Productions Muvico Tyco International, Inc.DBT ONLINE, Inc. Neiman Marcus Union BankDeerfield Beach Hilton Nine West United Magazine ServiceDiet Depot Nordica Engineering Utecht Insurance CompanyDoug Spence Electric Nouri’s Hallmark Washington MutualEagle Sports Camp Nova Southeastern University Wasman & Wasman, P.AEckerd Drugs NYC Wendy’sEckerd’s Photo Lab Old Navy Wet SealERA Pat Hance & Company, Inc. Pa De Coennaro Wings-n-ThingsFairfield Inn by Marriott PaineWebber Winn-DixieFamily Golf Center Park Place Orthopedic & Rehab Your DinerFlorida Elks Youth Camp Partners Deli

FACT SHEET

The Academy of Finance is a partnership between the National Academy Foundation (NAF), the local financial services industry and the School Board of Broward County.

This unique program provides specialized study in finance at the high school level. The two-to-three year program begins with introductory class work in the 10th grade. It includes a paid internship at a participating financial services firm and culminates with more advanced courses in the senior year of high school.

PARTICIPATING HIGH SCHOOLSBoyd Anderson, Cooper City, Coral Glades, Cypress Bay, Deerfield Beach, Flanagan, McArthur, Northeast, Piper, Plantation, Stoneman Douglas, Taravella and Western.

STUDENT INFORMATION Over three thousand students have graduated from the Academy of Finance. Over 90% of the graduates enter college. One hundred and fifty students graduated in 2007. Over $144,500 in scholarships have been awarded. Last year 240 summer internships were provided by 100 local businesses. One valedictorian was a member of the Academy of Finance. One salutatorian was a member of the Academy of Finance. Six hundred and sixty students are enrolled for the 2007-2008 school year. Students may be eligible for the Florida Gold Seal Award. All students are eligible for membership in two career and technical student organizations:

DECA and Financiers.

ACADEMY HIGHLIGHTS Three Academy of Finance courses are honors courses. The program was designated an Exemplary Program by the Florida High Technology and

Industrial Council, Tallahassee, Florida. Students participate in the Stock Market Game. Program networks with 250 Academies of Finance throughout the United States via the

NAF website: www.naf.org. Students participate in a conference collaboratively planned and implemented by the

Career, Technical and Adult/Community Education (CTACE) Department of Broward County Schools, business partners and the National Academy Foundation.

Florida has the most NAF academies when compared nationally. Curriculum and additional information can be found at www.ctace.com under the NAF

academies, with supplemental materials available through www.naf.org.

BROWARD COUNTYACADEMY OF FINANCE

APPLICATION

Name____________________________________________________________________________________ (Last) (First)

Student No.______________________________________________

Date of Birth ________________________Age__________________

Telephone No.____________________________________________

Home Address____________________________________________________________________________________

City________________________________________________________State________________Zip________

References (List three teacher references) __________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________1. Previous work experience (briefly describe) __________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

2. Volunteer experience (briefly describe) __________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________

3. List club membership(s) and co-curricularactivities___________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

4. How many days have you been absent this school year? (Circle One)

0-5 6-10 11-20 21 plus If more than 5, briefly explain:

__________________________________________________________________________________________

5. Have you ever completed Accounting Applications I ?_______________If YES, what grade did you earn?__________________________

6. Current G.P.A._________________

7. What foreign language(s) do you speak fluently? __________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

8. Why are you interested in being selected for this program?

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

9. What skills do you have that would help you work in the financial services industry? (Briefly describe):

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

10. In your own handwriting, write a brief paragraph describing yourself (6 - 10 sentences):

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

I understand that I will commit myself to work at a finance related institution during the summer between my junior and senior year or during my senior year. I understand that I will be provided with one job placement opportunity to assist me in fulfilling my internship requirement. Every effort will be made by the program coordinator to locate a job which matches my skills and area of interest. However, I understand that there is no guarantee that I will be provided with a job of choice. Therefore, I agree to be flexible and demonstrate a positive attitude on the job. Should I decide to locate my own job, I understand that the job must be approved by the district specialist and my teacher/coordinator. My acceptance further commits me to be a program participant during my entire senior year. I will have transportation to a summer job.

________________________________________________________(Signature of Applicant)

I have read this application and information sheet and approve of my child’s participation in this educational program if he/she is selected.

________________________________________________________(Signature of Parent/Guardian)

For more information about the Academy of Finance, contact:

Betty Lawson-Ingram, Academy Facilitator for Academy of Hospitality and Tourismbetty.ingram@browardschools.comTelephone (754) 321-2631

Kathleen C. Wright Administration CenterCareer, Technical & Adult/Community EducationAcademy Programs, 11th Floor

600 Southeast Third Avenue Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

Or visit the NAF website at: www.naf.org

Please visit our web page at www.ctacte.com For information regarding all career, technical, adult and community

education programs offered through the Broward County School Board.

Contact your school for more information.

The School Board of Broward County, Florida

Beverly A. Gallagher, ChairRobin Bartleman, Vice Chair

Maureen S. DinnenJennifer Leonard Gottlieb

Phyllis C. HopeStephanie Arma Kraft, Esq.

Robert D. Parks, Ed.D.Eleanor Sobel

Benjamin J. Williams

James F. Notter Superintendent

Dr. Earlean C. SmileyDeputy Superintendent

Curriculum and Instruction/Student Support

John J. MiracolaDirector

Career, Technical & Adult/Community Education

Robert (Mel) DowneyCurriculum Specialist

Marketing/Diversified/Academy Programs

Betty Lawson-IngramAcademy FacilitatorAcademy Programs

The School Board of Broward County, Florida, prohibits any policy or procedure which results in discrimination on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, marital status, race, religion

or sexual orientation.

Individuals with disabilities requesting accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) may call Equal Educational Opportunities (EEO) at (754) 321-2150 or Teletype Machine, TTY

(754) 321-2158.