The SCHURZ ACADEMY OF FINANCE (AOF) is a prestigious, nationally approved four-year academic program designed to prepare high school students to succeed in college and the finance career of their choice. The Schurz Academy of Finance follows the rigorous academy model developed by the National Academy Foundation (NAF) in which the academic curriculum is supplemented with finance-related courses such as financial planning, banking, insurance, international finance and accounting. Mentoring and workplace experiences help students to develop skills needed to succeed in college and at work; and students have the opportunity to earn up to 12 tuition-free college credit hours and obtain a paid internship between their junior and senior years.

• YOUNG TREASURER'S PROGRAM - Students at Schurz participated in Illinois State Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka's Young Treasurer's Program. The 4-day program, which took place in Springfield, Illinois, involved high school students from around the state. They were given the opportunity to observe the inner workings of the Treasurer's office, visit a financial institution and other offices in the State Capitol complex, and tour historical landmarks in Springfield.
• JOB SHADOW DAY - Students from the Academy of Finance shadowed mentors from the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago learning about the work they do.
• STUDENT/PARENT FINANCE WORKSHOP - The Schurz Academy of Finance and the Center for Economic Education at the University of Illinois hosted a student/parent personal finance workshop.
• SCHURZ-LAKESIDE BANK - Schurz has partnered with Lakeside Bank to open a bank at Schurz. Academy of Finance students serve as tellers and new account representatives. The services that the Schurz-Lakeside Bank provides are saving accounts, ATM cards, and Internet Banking.
• THE FED CHALLENGE - Five freshmen/sophomore members of the Schurz Academy of Finance participated in the 2002 Fed Challenge at the Chicago Federal Reserve and the 2003 Fed Challenge at the N.A.F. National Convention in Phoenix, AZ. The students were well versed in economics, monetary policy, and technology and presentation skills. They gave a 15-minute presentation defending their decision that the interest rates should stay the same. The presentations where followed by questions from a panel of judges from the Federal Reserve. Their outstanding performance earned $5,000 for the Schurz Academy of Finance in 2002, and a first place competition award in 2003.
• THE STOCK MARKET GAME - The Stock Market Game is a simulation in trading stocks on the three major U.S. stock exchanges. Academy of Finance student teams will invest a hypothetical $100,00 in a portfolio of common stocks, trade NYSE, AMEX and NASDAQ stock, have access to comprehensive stock research, ticker and price lookup, be able to buy

The mission of the NATIONAL ACADEMY FOUNDATION (NAF) is to sustain a national network of career academies to support the development of America's youth toward personal and professional success--in high school, in higher education, and throughout their careers. NAF Academies represent business/school partnerships that prepare young people for future careers through a combination of school-based curricula and work-based experiences.

If you would like more information about the Carl Schurz High School Academy of Finance please feel free to call (773)534-3420 or write to:

Carl Schurz High School Academy of Finance - 3601 N. Milwaukee Ave. Chicago, IL 60641