Bank on economic knowledge

PCTI’s Academy of Finance shines a spotlight on money management and provides students with a thorough understanding of finance principles. Areas of studies include Accounting, Finance, Entrepreneurship, Market Analysis and Research and Business Law.

This program utilizes Bloomberg Terminals® in the classroom. This allows teachers to bring the real world of finance into the classroom and provides students with the platform used by the world’s leading banks and corporations to enhance their academic studies across a wide range of disciplines.

The Academy of Finance is certified by the National Academy Foundation (NAF), an organization whose mission is to provide quality, industry-specific education and work experience to high school students. Students can earn their NAFTrack Certification through completion of course and job requirements.

Additionally, PCTI enjoys an award-winning partnership with Columbia Bank, which encompasses a full-service banking branch and “living classroom” right here on campus! Students are interviewed and selected to work at the bank during their junior and senior year studies.

PCTI’s Academy of Finance has been named a W!se Financial Literacy Blue Star School and has earned top honors in the nation! Those who successfully complete this program receive the nationally recognized W!se Financial Literacy Certification. Furthermore, AOF students have the opportunity to receive college credit through an affiliation with Berkeley College.

Students expand their knowledge of day-to-day fiscal responsibilities with the help of highly trained instructors and the production of culminating projects. With the opportunity to join Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Consumer Bowl, High School Fed Challenge and Bloomberg Global Trading Challenge®, participating students compete in challenging local, regional, national, and global events.

The comprehensive and challenging learning environment provided by the Academy of Finance ensures students understand the most important financial concepts in our evolving world.

Career Pathways

Accounting Auditor Actuarial Science Banking Consumer Law Corporate Finance

Economics Entrepreneurship Financial Planning/Consulting Forensic Accounting Government Services Insurance

International Finance Investments Personal Finance Real Estate Taxes

First in New Jersey

As an outgrowth of the AOF, PCTI formed a partnership with its business partner, Columbia Bank, and opened a full-service bank branch – “and living classroom” – on campus! Columbia Bank provides training to students who work alongside the branch manager.

Working with Advanced Technical Systems

All AOF students are exposed to automated accounting and QuickBooks financial planning program. The Academy has access to a business facility equipped with state-of-the-art computers.

Learning Through Competition

AOF students compete at the state and local level in FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) and other finance-related competitions such as the Consumer Bowl. Students also have the opportunity to compete for a variety of scholarships available only to AOF students.

Faculty Expertise

AOF faculty members are fully certified with years of experience in business and finance. Collectively they bring a multitude of knowledge and experience to the classroom and often invite distinguished guests.

Licensure Opportunities

Students who successfully complete the AOF program receive a nationally recognized Wise Financial Literacy Certificate.

“College Connection Program” Earning College Credits in High School

Want to earn college credits before graduating high school? At PCTI you have the opportunity to do just that! Nearly 2 dozen college courses—some specific to career majors and others open to all PCTI students—are offered in affiliations with area colleges and universities! All AOF students have the opportunity to earn up to 36 college credits during their junior and senior years through Berkeley College.

College Affiliations

Some of PCTI’s higher education affiliates include: William Paterson University, Seton Hall University, Drexel University, UMDNJ (University of Medicine & Dentistry New Jersey), Berkeley College, Passaic County Community College, NJIT (New Jersey Institute of Technology), Rochester Institute of Technology, FDU and Hudson County Community College.

Organizational Affiliations

PCTI’s AOF is a member of NAF (National Academy Foundation). This national organization’s goal is to partner private industry and the public sector in providing quality, industry-specific education and work experiences for high school students nationwide. This is to prepare them for careers, college and other areas of their lives. Students also participate as members of FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America).

School to Careers Experience

PCTI maintains a very strong and supportive School to Careers program, offering 9th, 10th, and 11th graders the opportunity to “job shadow,” and 11th & 12th graders the chance to put their skills to work at a paid position in the workplace. Hundreds of students participate. . . and hundreds of business leaders support our efforts by employing our students.

Awards and Honors

• Ranked 1st in the Nations in the WISE Financial Literacy Certification Program!
• AOF program receives national certification from NAF (National Academy Foundation)
• AOF students . . . Multiple 1st place Consumer Bowl County titles; 1 Regional Consumer Bowl Regional title / NJ Department of Consumer Affairs Department of Consumer Affairs

The partnership between PCTI’s AOF and its business partner honored with state and national awards:

• Best Practice Award / NJ Department of Education, “Banking on Success”
• National “Golden Achievement Award” / NSPRA (National School Public Relations Association)
• National “Magna Award” / American Association of School Boards & Sodexho Services
• Award of Excellence, AOF/Partnership Exhibit, NJSBA Convention