The Academy of Finance (AOF) program in Baltimore County’s Public School System is an organization that provides the students of Lansdowne, Overlea and Randallstown High Schools with preparation for the real world. With job shadowing, possibility of paid internships and in-class speakers, students will be provided significant information that will help them in their careers and promote life-long learning.

The National Academy Foundation (NAF) (www.NAF.org), the Academy of Finance’s parent organization, is a nonprofit 501 c (3) educational organization that combines the knowledge and experience of education, business and government leaders to better prepare high school students for their futures as college students, members of the American workforce and beyond.

A key feature of the Academy model is a structured, supervised, paid internship, which enhances classroom learning by providing a “real-world” context in which the student can apply to his or her education.  NAF’s internships were designed to provide benefits to all involved-students to take on workplace responsibilities in a professional, supportive environment and employers benefit from productive employees who are ready for the world of work.  Supervision by both the employer and the school coordinator ensures that the internship experiences are of the highest quality.

NAF’s Academy program success is contingent upon building a strong and active
Business/Education Advisory Board that supports the program in the following ways:

• Providing paid internships for Academy students
• Sharing current industry practices with teachers
• Providing familiarization tours for teachers and students
• Sponsoring fundraising events for student activities
• Mentoring students and instructors
• Assisting in curriculum development revision
• Raising awareness of the Academy in the community

Through Advisory Board membership, corporate sponsors and education leaders work together to make a direct contribution to public education as they help prepare a diverse workforce.

Contact Information:
Erik F. Grooms, Director
egrooms@bcps.org
410-887-8924