Students at Bay View High School are gaining real-world career experience through the school’s NAF academies, which have recently earned national recognition for program quality.

NAF, formally known as the National Academy Foundation, is a nationwide network of career-themed academies that connect high school students with industry-focused coursework, internships, and professional mentorship. At Bay View, students can explore career pathways in fields such as engineering, finance, health science, hospitality, and tourism.

According to Milwaukee Public Schools, the NAF model blends traditional academics with real-world learning opportunities designed to prepare students for college and careers.

Bay View currently hosts two NAF academies: the Academy of Engineering and the Academy of Hospitality and Tourism.

The Academy of Engineering launched during the 2011–12 school year, while the Academy of Hospitality and Tourism began in the 2018–19 school year. Both academies earned the prestigious “Distinguished” designation during the 2023–24 school year.

To become a distinguished academy within the NAF network, programs must meet rigorous national standards. Academies must score at least 25 points on the NAF Academy Assessment, with a minimum score of 20 in each of four key categories: program structure, curriculum quality, advisory board involvement, and work-based learning opportunities.

Programs must also graduate at least 10 seniors, maintain good financial standing, and complete a formal quality review visit where trained evaluators assess the academy’s effectiveness.

The evaluation process typically takes 12 to 16 months and includes a self-assessment, documentation review, and a virtual quality visit by NAF leaders and consultants.

Students in the engineering pathway take courses through Project Lead The Way, including Introduction to Engineering Design, Principles of Engineering, and Engineering Design and Development.

Engineering students also use Onshape, a cloud-based 3D design program that allows them to create precise models that can later be manufactured or 3D printed.

“It’s not just a class, it’s real life,” senior Jordan Thompson said. “We used Onshape to design a shield for our boat that could actually be 3D printed.”

For senior Angel Manning, the NAF program helped shape both academic goals and career planning.

“Being part of the NAF academy influenced my academic goals by allowing me to learn in different ways and styles,” Manning said. “It lets you explore new career interests by being hands-on with different activities, and it helped me find a set plan for after high school.”

Manning said one of the most meaningful experiences came in entrepreneurship class.

“An experience in the NAF program that had a meaningful impact on me was during Mr. Podoll’s entrepreneurship class,” Manning said. “He was teaching us about starting a business, but he kept in touch with us on a personal level. He shared stories about how not all of his businesses made it, and that’s what made it memorable.”

According to Manning, the academy also builds skills that students may not develop in a traditional classroom.

“The NAF academy helped me develop certain skills that I thought I would never gain in a traditional class,” Manning said. “In ways like putting us in ethical situations, helping with project management, and giving us opportunities to communicate with business and community members.”

Bay View’s culinary program is part of ProStart, developed by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. The program gives students hands-on experience in culinary arts and hospitality management.

Students in the program can earn a ProStart National Certificate of Achievement by passing two national exams, demonstrating key industry skills, and completing 400 hours of work experience in the hospitality field. The certification can help students earn scholarships, college credit, and career opportunities.

Fredrick Young, a student in the culinary program, said the classes support his future goals.

“To become a chef, it’s teaching me proper methods and skills like cooking temperatures,” Young said.

Assistant Principal Santa Cruz, who helps oversee the NAF program, said the academy is designed to help students plan their futures beyond graduation.

“I’m the NAF director with Ms. Rufer, keeping up with data and making sure everything is in place to get kids into NAF Academy for future experiences,” Santa Cruz said. “After high school, we think about what’s next in life and what they’re going to do.”

Through hands-on projects, industry partnerships, and nationally recognized academies, Bay View’s NAF programs give students a head start in preparing for college, careers, and life after high school.