The Complete Guide to NAF — Uses, Benefits, and Examples

The Complete Guide to NAF — Uses, Benefits, and Examples

What NAF is

NAF (formerly National Academy Foundation) is a U.S.-based nonprofit that partners with schools, employers, and communities to run career-themed high school academies focused on finance, engineering, information technology, hospitality & tourism, and health sciences.

Core uses

• Create small, career-themed learning communities inside public high schools
• Provide industry-aligned curricula (academic + technical integration)
• Deliver work-based learning: internships, employer mentorships, site visits
• Support teacher professional development and curriculum coordination
• Build employer–school partnerships to shape local workforce pipelines

Benefits

• Improved student outcomes: higher engagement, better graduation and college‑going rates in program evaluations
• Career readiness: practical skills, real-world experience, and industry exposure
• Equity impact: targets high‑need communities and supports students from low‑income or underrepresented backgrounds
• Employer advantages: early access to talent pipeline, influence on workforce skills, community goodwill
• Scalable model: reproducible “academy” design that fits within existing high schools

Typical academy structure

• Cohort of students followed across 4 years
• Integrated courses combining core academics with career theme
• Regular employer involvement and coordinated teacher teams
• Capstone projects and required internships or work-based learning

Real-world examples

• Academy of Finance: courses in accounting, international trade, financial services; internships with local banks
• Academy of Information Technology: IT fundamentals, coding, cybersecurity projects; employer mentoring from tech firms
• Academy of Health Sciences: health careers pathway, clinical partner internships