My Finance Class

Welcome to My Finance Class, the official website for Financial Services and BPA at Northwest High School.

Financial Services Tech Prep

This college-prep business program is designed for juniors and seniors who are interested in pursuing college majors and future careers in finance. Students explore every aspect of business, including economics and entrepreneurship, business law and international business, saving and investing, real estate and credit, insurance and risk management, corporate finance and accounting. Students will become experienced in all of the latest technology applications used in business today. Students will improve their communication skills, hone their leadership abilities, and develop strategies for working successfully in teams. And most importantly, they will be prepared for a successful transition to many exciting college majors and careers. This is a College Tech Prep program with college articulation agreements through Greater Cincinnati Tech Prep Consortium.

Intro to Financial Services

This semester course allows students to explore a broad range of personal finance topics. Students learn about career choices, budgeting their money, saving and investing for the future, using credit wisely, and insuring against risk. Students participate in a stock market game as part of this course. Students also develop computer skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and MovieMaker. This is a core program which prepares students for Financial Services Tech Prep.

Intro to Entrepreneurship NEW FOR 2012!

This semester course allows students to discover the world of business ownership. Students learn how to start, finance, and grow a successful business from the ground up. Students learn the secrets to success for young entrepreneurs and participate in hands-on projects to put these ideas into practice. Students also develop computer skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and MovieMaker. This is a core program which prepares students for Financial Services Tech Prep.

Northwest BPA

Students enrolled in Financial Services, Intro to Financial Services, Intro to Entrepreneurship, Intro to Accounting I and II, and Intro to Business are able to become members of Business Professionals of America. BPA is a national organization for students interested in pursuing futures in business. Nationwide, BPA has more than 51,000 members in over 2,300 chapters across 23 states. Northwest BPA is the largest student organization at our school this year, with about 150 students involved. Being part of BPA will be one of the most rewarding aspects of your business class. Through this involvement, you will build lasting relationships, gain real-life skills, participate in competitive events, develop leadership, connect with business people, and have opportunities to travel to conferences.

"My two years in Financial Services helped me determine what I want to do in life after high school. And the people I went through these two years with are my Financial Services family and I will never forget all the good times we had."

- Jerry, Class of 2011

This year's theme for BPA is "Reach New Heights". Highlighted by the 2012 NLC in Chicago, the 2011-2012 BPA year will be one in which members accomplish more than ever before. Floor by floor, members of BPA are already assembling the layers of education and experience that will lead them to sky-high success. This year's theme encourages members to reach even higher, because the end results can be breathtaking.

"At the end of the day, Financial Services/BPA will always be remembered in my life. Nothing can replace it, and nothing was better than the two year experience I had with this class."
- John, Class of 2011

"Financial Services has changed my life in ways that I had never thought possible. It is through this class that I feel that I have been prepared to take on the real world."
- Tyson, Class of 2011

Financial Services offers a truly unique atmosphere. Students learn interesting material in a fast-paced, interactive environment. Teamwork, effective communication techniques, and time management skills are learned through extensive involvement in classroom projects and activities. Students gain valuable leadership skills and have the opportunity to compete at regional, state and national levels as members of Business Professionals of America. And most importantly, Financial Services prepares students for a successful transition to many exciting college majors and careers. In fact, 100% of our graduates go on to college.

Financial Services prepares students for a successful transition to many exciting college majors and careers:
Possible College Majors
Finance
Economics
Accounting
Management
Marketing
Entrepreneurship
Hospitality & Tourism
International Business
Real Estate
Pre-Law
Information Technology
Possible Careers
Stock Broker
Investment Banker
Accountant
Lawyer
Economist
Consultant
Financial Analyst
Insurance Agent
Money Manager
Realtor
Entrepreneur

"This class has been one of my biggest influences and will definitely be one of my greatest memories."
- Lukas, Class of 2011

Meet the Teacher

My name is Peter Clark and I'm the Financial Services instructor at Northwest High School. I grew up in the Cincinnati area and returned seven years ago to be closer to family and to become a teacher in my home town. Before this move, I worked for 12 years as an investment banker in New York, Chicago, St. Louis, and Cleveland (I know, a lot of moving around). As far as education goes, I went to the College of William & Mary in Virginia and graduated from the business school there with a degree in Finance. I thoroughly enjoyed my years on Wall Street (well, most of it), but my true passion in life is teaching. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to share my experience and enthusiasm for business with students in our district. Any more questions? Send me an email at the address below.

"This was my favorite class out of all my high school courses ... and I will not forget the knowledge and skills that I learned from Financial Services. I am very privileged to have been able to take this class."
- Jasmine, Class of 2011

What is Financial Services?

It's a college-prep program for juniors and seniors who are interested in pursuing college majors and future careers in business. If you're looking for an exciting and challenging way to explore the world of business, Financial Services may be for you!

Financial Services is offered exclusively at Northwest High School by Butler Tech.

MyFinanceClass.com