Preparing New Hampshire’s Youth for Careers in the Financial Services Industry

Frequently Asked Questions
Academy of Finance (AOF) Financial Services Career Cluster

  1. What is the Financial Services Cluster?
  2. What is the employment outlook in financial services through 2012?
  3. What schools are involved?
  4. What are the connections with the business community?
  5. Does the Academy of Finance Program have articulation agreements with local colleges?
  6. What do employers say about the AOF Internship Program?
  7. Want More Information on the AOF Program?

1. What is the Financial Services Cluster?

The financial services cluster focuses on preparing students for careers in Financial Services. The cluster includes a program called the (AOF) Academy of Finance. AOF is a nationally acclaimed, industry-validated curriculum model sponsored by the (NAF) National Academy Foundation. The model includes course work in areas such as banking and credit, securities and insurance, and financial planning; a paid summer internship between the student’s junior and senior year of high school; and articulation agreements with two and four year colleges. For more information about NAF, visit their website at www.naf.org.

2. What is the employment outlook in financial services through 2012?

Increased investment by businesses and individuals is expected to cause faster-than-average employment growth for financial analysts and personal financial advisors. Accountants and auditors are expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations. The banking industry is expected to increase six percent. Much of the increase is expected to occur in credit unions, small regional banks and saving institutions. The insurance industry is expected to grow eight percent. In addition, financial services positions cut across many sectors of our economy and individuals work in a range of industries, such as health care and high tech manufacturing.

3. What schools are involved?

Eight high schools – Alvirne, Londonderry, Manchester School of Technology, Merrimack, Nashua North, Nashua South, Pelham and Pinkerton Academy. Existing academies will continue to serve as mentors for new sites.

4. What are the connections with the business community?

Employers are excited about the potential of the Academy of Finance to better prepare students in entry-level positions at their companies. The Partnership has established an Academy of Finance Advisory Board that assists in overseeing the program. Members of the AOF Advisory Board include Ameriprise Financial, BAE Systems, Enterprise Bank, Fidelity Investments, Focus Capital, Granite State Credit Union, Lockheed Federal Credit Union, Northeast Planning Associates, Smith Barney/Citigroup, Rivier College, Southern NH University, Triangle Credit Union, UPS and local school districts. They are exploring ways to replicate the AOF model statewide and expand employer involvement in the internship program.

5. Does the Academy of Finance Program have articulation agreements with local colleges?

Southern NH University, Daniel Webster College and NH Community College-Nashua have articulation agreements with the New Hampshire ’s Academy of Finance . All agreements include advanced standing credits or transfer credits. Details of these agreements are available upon request.

6. What employers say about the AOF Internship Program?

Visit our Internship Page and see what they have to say.

7. Who can I contact for additional information?