Academy of Finance

The Finance program is designed to give high school students an opportunity to learn about and prepare for college or careers in business and finance. Emphasis is placed on a college preparatory curriculum that is directly linked to the financial world. Students participate in mentorships, career shadowing, and internship programs that link the resources of business, economics, and finance to education and to the students. Specialized courses in finance are required. Finance is a model program established to promote educational excellence by the National Academy Foundation. All students applying to these programs must meet the following eligibility criteria: 2.5 GPA.

Expectations

• Maintain 2.5 GPA
• Community Service
• Attend class (no more than 5 unexcused in a month)
• Adhere to dress code & dress days
• Follow school & school district rules

Any of the above not followed may result in probation and/or removal from the Program (If Dwyer is not your SAC school, student will return to SAC school)

Course Requirements

• 9th grade - Business Communication & Technology
• 10th grade - Accounting Applications 1
• 11th grade - Economics & Financial Services - FPL/Nextera Renewable Energy Feasibility Project
• Financial Internship/Finance Cooperative Education (OJT) - MUST participate to be an official Completer of the Academy of Finance program
• 12th Grade - Personal Finance

AOF Dress Requirements

The purpose of the dress policy is to uphold the professional image of the program and
to prepare students for the business world. Acceptable attire is required for all students
on business dress days and other school events such as competitions, assemblies,
training, meetings, workshops, and other activities. No dress code can cover all
contingencies, so students must use a certain amount of judgment in their choice of
clothing to wear. Students who experience uncertainty about their attire should ask their
AOF teacher, Academy Coordinator, or school administrator.

Professional*:

• Business suit (matching slacks and jacket) or a jacket/sport coat with dress slacks, collared dress shirt, and necktie; OR
• Dress slacks, collared long-sleeve buttoned dress shirt, and necktie (no jacket); OR
• A banded collar dress shirt, dress top or blouse (no t-shirts) may be worn without a necktie ONLY if a jacket/sport coat and dress slacks or a business suit is worn.
• Closed toe and heel business dress shoes are required. Socks are required depending on the style of the shoe.
• Shirts must be tucked into slacks and a belt is required if the slacks have belt loops.

Casual*:

• Official Academy of Finance polo shirt purchased through Dwyer’s vendor
• Dress slacks, khakis, chinos, or pants made from cotton twill (no jeans, leggings, or cargo pants). Preferably black, navy blue, gray, white, beige, maroon or other subtle color (no neon or bright colors).
• Closed toe and heel business casual shoes can be dress, loafers (not canvas), boat/deck style (no athletic shoes that are oversized, bulky, or multi-colored). Croc style shoes and sandals are NOT considered proper business attire.

*School Dress Code requirements apply in addition to these requirements.

• Academy of Finance Juniors are required to have a matching suit to wear in March for the Florida Power & Light/Nextera Energy presentation.
• Students may choose to dress Business Professional on Casual Dress days for full credit.
• Dress pants and dress shoes worn on Professional days could also be worn with the AOF polo on Casual days.

Have additional questions? Contact our Choice and Career Coordinator, Ronda Gagnon