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Eighth Academy of Finance Graduating Class Receives Diplomas 95 Percent of Graduates Will Go to College MORE THAN 90 PERCENT of Academy of Finance graduates will attend colleges and universities around the world, taking with them critical math, accounting, computer science, banking and bookkeeping skills that will help them to pursue careers in finance and economics. The Academy's eighth graduating class, comprised of 133 students, received their diplomas June 17, before family and friends at USC's Bing Theater. Students from six schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District, including Dorsey, Foshay, Los Angeles, Manual Arts and Wilson High Schools, participated in commencement. Antonia Hernandez, president and general counsel of the Mexican American Legal Defense Fund, gave the keynote address. Student speakers included Victor Hernandez, Dorsey High School; Dorothy Hernandez and Lo Huynh, Downtown Business Magnet; Belki Montejo, Foshay; Leon Bland, Los Angeles High School; Nancy Diaz, Manual Arts High School; and Silvia Ramirez, Wilson High School. "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 economic systems through a specialized two-year curriculum and internship program." Five hundred twenty-five students have graduated from the Academy of Finance program in Los Angeles since its inception. 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. In addition, 16 students received scholarships provided by Los Angeles area businesses. 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.