Distinguished Programs Equal Huge Opportunities in Hillsborough County Public Schools

by Laura Cross

The Academy of Finance Program: Sounds like some fancy course at the college level, right?

Did you know five of our high schools in Hillsborough County offer The Academy of Finance Program? And, even better, there are big scholarship opportunities available to students who complete this prestigious program.

“The Academy of Finance is one of several CTE (Career & Technical Education) programs that are offered now in five schools in the district: Jefferson, Armwood, Brandon, Spoto and King High Schools,” says Larissa Lizarraga, supervisor of Career and Technical Education for the district. “Students can join starting freshman year. Every year they take a different course in several areas of business and finance such as accounting, entrepreneurship, economics and financial literacy.”

This year, The Academy of Finance Program had 25 students from three different high schools complete the program. They were honored and celebrated during a special breakfast a couple of weeks before graduation.

Superintendent Addison Davis gave the opening remarks during the event and thanked the teachers, families and, of course, the students who completed the program. He says the opportunities the program offers can be life-changing and truly prepare our students for the future.

“It is so awesome to be able to recognize 25 of our high school students that have completed the Academy of Finance,” Davis said at the recognition event. “They’ve had opportunities to engage with business partners and business educators that really understand economics, financial planning, business leadership and accounting. It’s so important for us to train our students to transition to the real world because these are skills they will need forever as they move forward in careers in the financial pathway.”

As an added surprise during the ceremony, the William A. Gregory Foundation awarded several scholarships to students who completed the program.

• Four students received $4,000 scholarships

• Jorge Sanchez, a Jefferson High School senior, was awarded a $10,000 scholarship

• Boglarka Csanadi, a Brandon High School senior was awarded a $20,000 scholarship

“I received the William A. Gregory foundation scholarship, $20,000 over four or six years depending whether I want to get my masters,” Csanadi said excitedly after the ceremony. “So I am very, very happy and grateful for this opportunity.”

Csanadi plans to attend the University of Florida to major in Computer Science.

Many high school students head into post-graduation life with barely the basics when it comes to handling finances. The Academy of Finance Program not only prepares students to manage their own money matters, but gives them the strong foundation to turn it into a career.

The Academy of Finance Program is offered at Brandon High, Armwood High, King High, Spoto High and at Jefferson High as a magnet program, which means any student in the district can apply to be accepted into that program.

To learn more about The Academy of Finance, check out our website HillsboroughSchools.org and search for Career and Technical Education.

Keep

Comprehensive continued learning opportunities are now available for Pre-K through 12th-grade students in Hillsborough County Public Schools. These unique and exciting programs will provide for continuity of learning, strengthen core content understanding, and minimize the impact of learning loss over the summer months. Reading, Art, Music, Dual Language, Outdoor-learning Adventures, Credit Recovery, and more—multiple program offerings are available for all needs, interests, and ages!

Locations are available in schools throughout Hillsborough County!

• The HOST program is available at select sites

• Enrichment and remediation options

• Transportation services are provided for eligible students

• Breakfast & lunch are provided for all students

Ensure your child is prepared for the 2023-24 school year, and register today! A complete list of opportunities with registration details can be found at www.hillsboroughschools.org/summerlearning

JUNE 12 –

JULY 27