The Rebecca F. Baber Academy of Finance at Paint Branch is part of the National Academy of Finance and
is a new program at Paint Branch High School beginning with the 2003-2004
school year. Over 200 students have applied. What is the Academy
of Finance? What are the benefits to students?
First of all, the Academy of Finance introduces students to the broad
career opportunities in the financial services industry and, in the process,
equips them to make sound choices for the future. The AOF operates
as a "school within a school" and is located in four MCPS schools.
Some of the features of the AOF include the following:
- Six to eight-week paid internships at banks, brokerage houses, financial
exchanges, insurance companies, accounting firms, government agencies
and any business that deals with finance and accounting practices.
Click here to read student testimonials as to the importance of a paid
summer internship (pdf).
- An introduction to all facets of
the financial services industry and exposure to current technology through
such activities as job shadowing, mentoring, and field trips.
- An Advanced Placement (AP) course in Microeconomics is offered as an
elective at Paint Branch HS as a substitute for course work at
Montgomery College during the senior year, or the student may take a
course at Montgomery College.
- Scholarship opportunities
- Students need to take Software By Design A/B, Accounting A/B, Financial
Planning, Banking & Credit, International Finance, Economics and
World Finance, and one college course at Montgomery College.
- Enhanced opportunities for employment after graduation.
Here are some testimonials from businesses owners who worked with our
AOF students in a paid summer internship:
- "Quick learner, focused, responsible. Doing a remarkable job."
-- an accounting job with Static Power in Columbia, Maryland
- "Excellent worker . . . college level performance. Great, great,
great!" -- Economic Development with the Department of Commerce
- "Very good with computer, phone skills and Quick Books . . .
Have ask student to continue working during school year" --
Residency Bureau (A rental management agency)
- "Thoroughly enjoyed working with intern. Would hire him back in
a heartbeat. Hope he can work again next summer" -- Department of
the Treasury
Any student interested in applying to the Academy of Finance may contact
Ms. Rebecca Baber at (301) 989-5618.
Montgomery County Teacher's Federal Credit Union
 The
Panther Trust, a branch of the Montgomery County Teacher's Federal Credit
Union, will open Wednesday, February 16, 2005 at 10:50 am during the student's
Lunch Activity Period (LAP). Ms. Jeanette Dixon, Paint Branch Principal,
will open the bank with a ribbon cutting ceremony and by opening her first
MCT account. Any student or staff member can open a savings account for
as little as $5.00. The credit union will add $5.00 to the first 50 customers
that open an individual account. 
Students from the Academy of Finance and business department and will
be operating the bank under the supervision and support of business department
teachers. The Panther Trust will be open every Wednesday during lunch
(10:50 am - 11:35 am). The bank will offer savings accounts for all students
and credit cards for any student over 18 years old. Students with accounts
will also be able to receive an ATM bank card, which will not have foreign
bank fees imposed until the student is 23 years old. The bank will be
located in the main hallway by the cafeteria and auditorium.
Students will be able to utilize many of the principles they have been
learning in the Academy of Finance classes. They will apply lessons on
accounting, interest, savings and credit. Students that open accounts
will not only have the convenience of having a bank at their school, but
opportunities to ask question of their peers about finances and learn
basic financial literacy.
Paint Branch is one of only seven schools in the county with an MCT branch.
Paint Branch
Business Partners
Montgomery College, Takoma Park
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