Opening the Doors to the World of Finance
The Academy of Finance (AOF) is
PCTI’s response to the need for
change in the finance industry,
where students acquire the
knowledge and skills for success.
Certified by the prestigious NAF
(the National Academy Foundation),
the Academy of Finance is a high
level program offering challenges
and opportunities to all students.
Ranked 1st in the Nations in the
WISE Financial Literacy Certification
Program!
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First in New Jersey
As an outgrowth of the AOF, PCTI
formed a partnership with its business
partner, Columbia Bank, and
opened a full-service bank branch –
“and living classroom” – on campus!
Columbia Bank provides training to
students who work alongside the
branch manager.
Working with Advanced Technical Systems
All AOF students are exposed to automated
accounting and the highly acclaimed
“Dollars and Sense” financial
planning program. The Academy has
access to a business facility equipped
with state-of-the-art computers.
Learning Through Competition
AOF students compete at the state
and local level in FBLA (Future Business
Leaders of America) and other
finance-related competitions such as
the Consumer Bowl. Students also
have the opportunity to compete for a
variety of scholarships available only
to AOF students.
Academy of Finance Curriculum Introduction to Financial Services Economics – Banking & Credit • Accounting • International Finance Financial Planning • Real Estate – Mortgage Finance |
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| 9th Grade Finance Level I English I Algebra I Biology or Geophysical Science World Language I World History Physical Education/Health I Elective 10th Grade Finance Level II English II Mass Communications Geometry Biology or Applied Physics World Language II Physical Education |
11th Grade Finance Level III English III Algebra II Science Elective US History I Elective Physical Education/Health II Berkeley College Courses 12th Grade Finance Level IV English IV Elective(s) US History II Physical Education/Health IV Berkeley College Courses Internship • |
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NOTE: The academic component is taught by highly qualified and dedicated professionals. * Required by the National Academy Foundation. • During the summer of their junior year, AOF students are required to complete a minimum of a 5 week paid internship within the financial services industry. Students may have the opportunity to continue working in the fall through the School-to-Careers program. |
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Faculty Expertise
AOF faculty members are fully certified
with years of experience in business
and finance. Collectively they bring a
multitude of knowledge and experience
to the classroom and often invite
distinguished guests.
Licensure Opportunities
Students who successfully complete
the AOF program receive a nationally
recognized Wise Financial Literacy
Certificate.
“College Connection Program” Earning College Credits in High School
Want to earn college credits before
graduating high school? At PCTI you
have the opportunity to do just that!
Nearly 2 dozen college courses . . . some specific to career majors and
others open to all PCTI students . .
are offered in affiliations with area
colleges and universities! All AOF
students have the opportunity to earn
up to 36 college credits during their
junior and senior years through
Berkeley College.
College Affiliations
Some of PCTI’s higher education affiliates
include: William Paterson University,
Seton Hall University, Drexel
University, UMDNJ (University of Medicine
& Dentistry New Jersey), Berkeley
College, Passaic County Community
College, NJIT (New Jersey Institute of
Technology), Rochester Institute of
Technology, FDU and Hudson County
Community College.
Organizational Affiliations
PCTI’s AOF is a member of the National
Academy Foundation. This national
organization’s goal is to partner
private industry and the public sector
in providing quality, industry-specific
education and work experiences for
high school students nationwide.
This is to prepare them for careers,
college and other areas of their lives.
Students also participate as members
of FBLA (Future Business Leaders of
America).
PCTI maintains a very strong and supportive School-to-Careers program, offering 9th, 10th and 11th graders the opportunity to “job shadow,” and 11th & 12th graders the chance to put their skills to work at a paid position in the workplace. Hundreds of students participate. . . and hundreds of business leaders support our efforts by employing our students.
Awards and Honors
- Ranked 1st in the Nations in the WISE Financial Literacy Certification Program!
- AOF program receives national certification from the NAF (National Academy Foundation)
- AOF students . . . 2 time 1st place Consumer Bowl winners / NJ Department of Consumer Affairs
The “partnership” between PCTI’s AOF and its business partner honored with state and national awards:
- Best Practice Award / NJ Department of Education, “Banking on Success”
- National “Golden Achievement Award” / NSPRA (National School Public Relations Association)
- National “Magna Award” / American Association of School Boards & Sodexho Services
- Award of Excellence, AOF/Partnership Exhibit, NJSBA Convention