Alum's Experience Comes Full Circle

Natasha Ghatak is a 2003 alumna of the Gaithersburg High School Academy of Finance in Maryland who went on to study at the University of Maryland, thanks in part to a scholarship from Citi she received through her academy. Natasha now works for Marriott and serves as co-chair of the Academy of Finance Advisory Board.  This year, she established and presented the first ever M. J. Ghatak Scholarship, in the amount of $1,000, to Leslie Galfond, an Academy of Finance student at Gaithersburg High School.

Graduation Season Means New Schools

As the school year winds down, 30 schools are gearing up for the fall when 33 new NAF academies will open in their schools.  Having graduated from the Year of Planning program, these academies will join the NAF network, many of them opening their doors to students for the first time.  View the full list of schools opening academies.

Call for Curriculum Fellows

We are now recruiting for the 2010-11 NAF Curriculum Fellows. NAF is looking for teachers who have not yet implemented the NAF curriculum in their academies or wish to expand the number of NAF courses offered. This program offers teachers direct training in any NAF course, stipends and travel. For further information, contact Laura Fidler at laura@naf.org.

Register your team today for the 2010 NAF Conferences!

The registration deadline is June 11. We're putting together a slideshow to highlight the great things that happened at NAF academies over the past year and want to include photos from your Academy (ies).  Send your academy photos by June 15.

On May 10, NAF held its annual Gala Benefit Concert featuring an amazing performance by four-time Tony-award winner Audra McDonald. The event raised over $1.8 million and celebrated the meaningful interaction between academy students and business people that takes place every day at NAF academies. More than 100 students were in attendance to share their experiences and network with the event's corporate donors. Check out our photo highlights!

Advisory Board Clinic Series Continues on June 29

Structuring your Advisory Board to Maximize Benefits for Students, Schools and the Business Community is the latest professional development webinar from the Advisory Board Clinic Series.  Join us on June 29 at 4:00 p.m. EST from the comfort of your own computer. RSVP today! For more information, email Charlie Katz at ckatz@naf.org.

NYSE and SEC Offer teachers' workshops

The New York Stock Exchange and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's Office of Investor Education and Advocacy have partnered to help educators teach students about the financial marketplace and its importance in their lives and the global economy. Attend one of their 5-day Teachers' workshops this summer in New York.

SASŪ Teacher Training this August 

Many Academies of Information Technology offer a SASŪ programming course in addition to their NAF courses.  Two high school level courses in SAS programming and all the necessary software are for free.  SAS will host a teacher training in the courses on August 2 - 6 in Cary, NC, at the SAS Campus.  There is a $75 registration fee to reserve a seat in the class.

IRS Now Accepting Applications for VITA grants

Many Academies of Finance take part in the IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program in which students are trained in preparing tax returns. Under the supervision of a local IRS agent, they file returns for underserved families and the elderly in their communities. The Internal Revenue Service will accept applications through July 9, 2010 for funding to participate in the programs.

My Idea Grants Support Youth Working to Increase Graduation Rates

America's Promise Alliance and AT&T's My Idea Grants program empowers young people to examine the high school dropout crisis and take action to help more of their peers to graduate on time - improving outcomes for themselves and their community.  National grants of $10,000-$20,000 will be awarded to 20 - 25 students for the best of the submitted ideas to help increase a community's graduation rate anywhere in the United States.   Applications must be submitted by June 11, 2010. Apply today.

Nominate an Outstanding Advisory Board Member for L'Oreal Paris' Women of Worth Awards Program

L'Oreal Paris has announced their fifth annual Women of Worth awards program. The program is designed to honor women from across the United States for their inspiring volunteer achievements and outstanding commitment to community service. The program will select ten winners, each of whom will receive $5,000 for their charitable cause. One national honoree will receive an extra $25,000 donation to her charitable organization. Submit a nomination here.

Connecticut Business Industry Assoc. Connects Hartford Students with Internships

Fifty high school juniors and seniors from three Hartford area NAF academies -- the Academy of Engineering and Green Technology, Pathways to Technology, and High School, Inc.-- attended a half-day orientation to prepare them for paid spring and summer internships offered by CBIA member companies. Internship arrangements are flexible, and CBIA's Education Foundation is assisting with various aspects of the program, serving as a liaison between employers and the three schools.

Career Academies Create More Opportunities for NC students

Academies at Apex High School are seen as a positive force in preparing students for life beyond high school.  Read about the impact their program has had on local education reform.

William A. Gregory Foundation Awards Scholarships to AOF Students

Each year, the William A. Gregory Foundation presents scholarships to outstanding Academy of Finance students from Armwood, Brandon, Chamberlain, and Thomas Jefferson High Schools at the annual Hillsborough County AOF Completer Celebration Breakfast in Tampa, Florida.  Several scholarships ranging from one to five thousand dollars are awarded and one outstanding student receives a $20,000 award.  Over the past several years, they have given out more than $250,000 to AOF graduates in Hillsborough County. Congrats to this year's winners!