What is the Academy of Finance?
The Questions
"Why does congress have to raise the debt limit to fund the government?", "How do I keep from drowning in student loans?", "Why not just print more money for the poor?", "Why is everything so expensive?", "Is a strong dollar good or bad?", "Why money anyway?"
Ever Ask Those questions?
Are you starting to worry about how to pay for college or get a place of your own? Or maybe you just want to know how to control of your own finances and not have to live pay check to paycheck. If so, then maybe you should consider applying to the Academy of Finance.
The Overview
Ballard's Academy of Finance (AOF) is a program aimed at the student looking at future in business, economics, finance or simply interested in being in control of their own finances or understanding how the economy works. AOF is part of the National Academy Association (NAF); naf.org. The core of the program takes place during your Junior & Senior years where you will explore and understand the big picture of how the economy works and affects you through Business Economics (micro-economics) & Business in Global Economy (macro-economics), as well as how it impacts you personally through Principles of Finance (personal finance).
The Details
In addition to a rigorous and relevant curriculum, students
typically have had access to:
- A paid internship during the summer between Jr & Sr year
- Career Conferences both years
- Mentoring by UW Foster School of Business students on projects.
- Access to our 30 plus professional advisory board from companies such as: K & L Gates, Marriott, Key Bank, KPMG, Inn at the Market among others.
- College exploratory class at Seattle University
- Career planning, coaching and training
- Develop networking & Business communication skills
- Opportunity to create a mentorship relationship.
- Trip to New York City (Senior Year) visiting Wall street, AOF academy school in Queens, NYC
How to Apply
Students interested in joining the academy need to fill out the Academy of Finance Interest Survey. Strictly used to gage interest and help with planning. You will be contacted by an upperclassmen when your survey has been processes.
Academy of Finance Interest Survey >
The Academy of Finance connects high school students with the world of financial services, offering a curriculum that covers the Academy of Finance curriculum & certification is being validated by the Council for Economic Education. The program includes: a workplace (Internship) experience between Junior and Senior year, career conferences, interview & resume prep, regular support & mentorship from our professional board, and a financial education trip to New York City. Students successfully completing all the requirements of the Academy become NAFTrack certified opening scholarship, priority interviewing (now & after college) with partnering firms (Citibank, Marriott, et.al.) and networking opportunities.
It would be best if students take at least one of the prerequisites: Accounting, Entrepreneurship, Marketing or Marketing focused Sports Marketing, refer to the Course Catalog 
. But if that is not possible all students are welcome Email Mr. Blazevic for more details.
ENTERING THE ACADEMY OF FINANCE
1. Fill out the Ballard High School Academy of Finance Interest Survey
2. Inform your counselor prior to signing up for your 11th grade classes that you wish to be in the Academy of Finance.
SEQUENCE OF COURSES
Grade 9 or 10: take prerequisite(s) 1 or more: Accounting, Entrepreneurship, Marketing, or Sports Marketing.
Grade 11: Principles of Finance/Business Economics
Grade 12: Business in a Global Economy/Business Management
Descriptions of Academy of Finance courses and prerequisites are listed in the Career & Technical Education (CTE) section and are open to non-Academy students as well.
ACADEMY OF FINANCE COURSES
HCT1253 PRINCIPLES OF FINANCE
HCT1254 BUSINESS ECONOMICS
HCT1255 BUSINESS IN A GLOBAL ECONOMY
HCT4295/4296 BUSINESS MANAGEMENT