ONE HUNDRED SEVENTY STUDENTS from six Los Angeles area high schools were honored on June 15 as graduates of the Los Angeles Academy of Finance, taking with them critical math, accounting, computer science, banking and bookkeeping skills that will help them pursue careers in finance and economics.

Although most Academy students are recruited from students typically identified as non-college bound, more than 90 percent of the Academy's participating students enroll in college to pursue careers in business or finance.

"The Academy of Finance gives students a jump start to future careers in the financial world," said Academy co-director Carolyn Speer. "The Academy provides a unique understanding of economics and finance through a specialized two-year curriculum and internship program."

Six schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District graduated students, including Dorsey, Foshay, Los Angeles, Manuel Arts and Wilson high schools, and the Downtown Business Magnet. This year's graduating class is comprised of 60% females and 40% males. Within those groups, 60% are Hispanic, 20% are African American, 18% are Asian and 2% are represented by other racial and ethnic groups. Pamela Bakewell, vice president of The Bakewell Company was the graduation ceremony's keynote speaker.

Academy of Finance students must meet 10 special requirements in order to graduate, including courses in accounting, computer science, banking and credit, securities operations, and financial planning. Students also take a for-credit course on corporate finance at the University of Southern California School of Business, and learn about dress codes, office etiquette and interviewing techniques. Academy students must also complete a paid summer internship at a financial institution or company.

The Los Angeles Academy of Finance is a joint program of the Los Angeles Unified School District and the Los Angeles Educational Partnership and is a member of the National Academy Foundation. It educates high school students about economics and finance through a specialized curriculum and paid internship program. The program links students and teachers with the financial services industry to improve student learning and skills and increases teachers' knowledge and instructional abilities in finance and economics.

Five hundred twenty-five students have graduated from the Academy of Finance program in Los Angeles since its inception. The Los Angeles Academy follows a national model developed by the American Express Foundation and the New York Public Schools.