Program areas at NAF
The academy of finance, which operates 175 academies, connects high school students with the world of financial services and personal finance, offering a curriculum that covers banking and credit, financial planning, global finance securities, insurance, accounting, and economics. The academy of finance curriculum and certification is validated by the council for economic education.
The academy of engineering, which operates 90 academies, answers an acute need for engineers in this country by educating high school students in the principles of engineering, providing content in the fields of electronics, biotech, aerospace, civil engineering, and architecture. Academies use curriculum from project lead the way, inc. (pltw), the stem academy, or paxton/patterson. They also benefit from support provided by national action council for minorities in engineering (nacme).
The academy of information technology, which operates 107 academies, prepares students for career opportunities in computer networking, systems, database design, digital video production, graphic design, and programming. In addition, juniper networks has agreed upon a program of study, linked to Naf assessments, that will qualify students for its professional training program and earn a juniper certificate. Academies may also use computer science curriculum from project lead the way, inc. (pltw) and select courses from cisco.
The academy of health sciences, which operates 88 academies, addresses the critical achievement gap in stem fields and develops a pipeline of students prepared to pursue health-related degrees and professions in one of the fastest growing sectors of the economy. Courses include content on biotechnology, anatomy, physiology, and global health. Academies may use biomedical curriculum from project lead the way inc. (pltw) or the health sciences careers curriculum from paxton-patterson. Hosafuture health professionals also provides opportunities for students to build college and career-readiness skills. The national consortium for health science education provides an online module for work-based learning.