Grade 9-10

1 credit

This course is designed to provide an overview of current business, finance and information systems and trends and to introduce students to the foundations required for today's business environments.  Emphasis is placed on developing proficiency with computer applications, so that they may be used as communication tools for enhancing personal and work place proficiency in an information-based society.  This also includes proficiency with computers using databases, spreadsheets, presentation applications, financial and tax software applications and the integration of these programs using software that meets industry standards. Students have the opportunity to earn an Industry Certification as a MICROSOFT OFFICE SPECIALIST.

Grade 10-12

1 credit

Recommended prerequisite: Computer Fundamentals OR Digital Information Technology

This course presents basic topics in economics, including the principles and practices of banking, credit, and consumer lending in the United States.  Additional emphasis is placed on money, credit and banking, economic growth and stability, use of limited resources, characteristics of different economic systems and institutions, taxation and budgeting, labor management relations, and sales. Students become familiar with the major functions of banks and other financial intermediaries, central banking by the Federal Reserve System, and modern trends in the finance industry. The students are also introduced to credit functions, principles of credit risk evaluation, loan creation, debt collection, and stocks and bonds.

AP Macroeconomics AND AP Microeconomics can substitute

Grade 11-12

1 credit

This course emphasizes double-entry accounting; methods and principles of recording business transactions; the preparation of various documents used in recording income, expenses, acquisition of assets, incurrence of liabilities, and changes in equity; and the preparation of financial statements. The use of computers is required.

Grade 11-12

1 credit

NOTE: Students are required to serve a PAID financial internship during the summer after their junior year or if necessary during their senior year.

Students are provided the opportunity to interview for paid summer internships available through financial institutions such as Suncoast Credit Union, Grow Financial, and USF Federal Credit Union. Internships connect students to the real world of work and establish important relationships between students and adult professionals in financial services. The financial internship course provides students with authentic learning experiences in which they demonstrate human relations, technical, communication, and career development skills through entry level employment in the financial services industry. Through hands-on project management, mentors supervise student learning in specific skill attainment and professional development. Students earn high school credit and financial compensation.

Grade 12

1 credit

This course develops an awareness of the need for care and organization in planning for the wise use of economic resources and financial products available through a study of savings, credit, insurance, banking, investing and financial goals. The students are also made aware of the career opportunities offered by lending institutions. This class manages operations of the student run branch of the Suncoast Credit Union throughout the year. This provides working knowledge of how a financial institution operates.