High school students who plan to enter the College of Business can get a head start on their degrees under a new agreement between the Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) and Wilmington University.

The Memorandum of Understanding grants students who successfully complete the Academy of Finance at their high schools up to 27 credits.

“This particular pathway is geared toward finance, and we are working with as many high schools as possible to make this opportunity available to students,” says Dr. Don Stuhlman, chair of Finance Programs at the College of Business.

Students can gain advanced standing in the Business program by completing six specific courses in the state Academy of Finance Career and Technical Education (CTE) Program of Study, including Fundamentals of Finance, Fundamentals of Accounting, and Financial Services. Students also are required to complete an internship.

“It’s extremely important to have that real-world experience,” Dr. Stuhlman says.

The Academy of Finance is certified through NAF, a national network of education, business and community leaders who work together to ensure high school students are college, career and future-ready. NAF serves more than 700 high schools across the nation, including eight in Delaware.