Established in 1980, NAF’s mission is to address social and economic disparities by preparing students for college, careers, and future success through hands-on, career-focused learning. NAF academies, which are small learning communities within public high schools, offer curricula in industries like finance, engineering, information technology, health sciences, and hospitality and tourism.

Here at James Madison Academic Campus (JMAC), we proudly offer two career academies: NAF Academy of Health Sciences and NAF Academy of Hospitality and Tourism.

NAF emphasizes experiential learning, providing students with work-based learning opportunities, internships, and mentorship from industry professionals. These programs are designed to help students explore career options, develop professional skills, and establish critical workplace connections, ultimately aiming to shape a diverse and well-prepared workforce. NAF has grown significantly, now serving more than 112,000 students across more than 600 academies in 35 states, with a remarkable 99% graduation rate among its seniors.

To provide JMAC students with hands-on learning experiences, our school’s NAF Advisory Board and teachers have meticulously crafted opportunities for students to engage directly with professionals in health sciences and hospitality and tourism. Throughout the semester, academy students participate in various activities, including classroom visits from industry experts, field trips, job shadowing, internships, and mentorship programs. These experiences challenge students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings and receive guidance on work-based learning projects.

JMAC has successfully partnered with numerous businesses to support our academies. These partnerships are designed to foster a mutually beneficial relationship, contributing to the success of our school and our students. Anticipated benefits of the program include improved attendance, better student behavior, a more positive school environment, stronger community and partnership ties, and overall enhanced student achievement.

NAF Academy of Hospitality and Tourism

The NAF Academy of Hospitality and Tourism at JMAC equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in one of the world’s largest industries. This academy offers a specialized curriculum that covers a wide range of topics including customer service, event planning, travel and tourism management, and the fundamentals of the hospitality industry. Students are engaged in real-world learning experiences that allow them to apply classroom knowledge in professional settings such as internships and job shadowing.

NAF Academy of Health Sciences

The NAF Academy of Health Sciences at JMAC offers a rigorous and immersive curriculum that prepares students for careers in the rapidly growing health sciences professions. Working and learning in the academy, students can earn professional certifications and hands-on experiences that allow them to enter the workforce directly or continue their education in college. Students learn about medical terminology, patient care, and healthcare systems in JMAC classrooms and labs. Business partners and our NAF Advisory Board ensure the curriculum is aligned with industry needs, and provide internship, mentorship, and job shadowing experiences. This approach not only enhances students’ technical knowledge but also helps them develop essential soft skills, such as communication and teamwork.

NAF Academies at JMAC: A Brief History

Under the leadership of then-principal Gregory Ogunbowale, JMAC successfully completed the NAF Year of Planning during the 2013-14 school year, laying the groundwork for full program implementation during the 2014-15 school year.

Recognizing that many students in urban settings need additional motivation to focus on their education and regularly attend school, Ogunbowale believed that providing students with clear goals tied to their education would serve as a powerful incentive. By connecting what students learn in the classroom with career opportunities and future educational paths, NAF academies give students a tangible reason to engage more deeply in their studies. Upon completing the program, students earn certification, which can be used to secure employment in their field of study or serve as a valuable credential when applying to colleges.