The Acaemy of Finance (AOF) was first established in 1982 by the National Academy Foundation. The Academy of Finance is one of the three member programs sponsored by the National Academy Foundation. It is a small learning community that offers high school students an opportunity to study accounting, international trade, leadership, and the use of technology in preparing for college and the financial services industry. It also allows students to earn college credit while still in secondary education. The program is offered in more than 260 secondary education institutions nationwide.