About NAF

The National Academy Foundation (NAF) is a leader in the movement to prepare young people for college and career success.  For 30 years, NAF has refined a proven educational model which includes industry-focused curricula, work-based learning experiences, and business partner expertise from our five themes: Finance, Hospitality & Tourism, Information Technology, Engineering, and Health Sciences.  Employees of more than 2,500 companies volunteer in classrooms, act as mentors, engage NAF students in paid internships and serve on local Advisory Boards.

Founded in 1982 by Sanford I. Weill, Chairman Emeritus of Citigroup Inc., NAF fosters partnerships between the business and education communities to provide opportunities to underserved students. Weill’s original intent was to connect young people to entry-level jobs in New York City's growing financial sector. His program did much more than that.  His vision led to a national movement of preparing students for successful careers.

After Weill received approval for his new academy plan from the New York City Board of Education, the first academy, an Academy of Finance opened at John Dewey High School in Brooklyn, NY in 1982. Since then, the NAF network has grown to 500 academies and serves more than 60,000 students across 39 states, D.C, and the U.S. Virgin Islands each year. NAF's 97% graduation rate and network of dedicated educators, business partners, and students are testament to the effectiveness of this model.

Shades Valley High School
The Shades Valley High School Academy of Finance began in 1996 when SVHS moved to Irondale from its original location in Homewood. Since its inception, Melinda DiBenedetto has directed the Academy at Shades Valley. Under her leadership the Academy has grown from just a few students to over 50 students in each grade level today. In 2013 Mrs. DiBenedetto received the Janet Linton award for outstanding Academy Director for the entire NAF network. Quite an honor! Mrs. DiBenedetto retired in August 2013. Ian Barnes has taken over the reins as the new Academy Director.