Through this partnership, IMA and its members can get involved by working with local high schools and students participating in the program. NAF’s program is designed to prepare high school students for future careers through a combination of school-based curricula and work-based experiences.

The industry component features paid internships, which provide students with a real-world context for their classroom learning. Industry professionals can also volunteer in classrooms, serve as mentors, participate in speaking engagements, and provide training opportunities for teachers.

"While IMA continues to educate the business and higher-education communities about the vital role management accountants play in business, it’s important to reach students at the high school level. By educating young people about the worthwhile careers in management accounting, we will develop the future generation of the profession and our organization," said Paul A. Sharman, ACMA, IMA president and CEO.

"The National Academy Foundation is pleased to be working with IMA to ensure that high school students across the country receive the critical mentoring, internships and industry support they need to be exposed to careers in the financial services industries," said JD Hoye, president of the National Academy Foundation. "NAF's model of career academies at the high school level has been proven to be successful for 25 years, thanks in part to partnerships like our new one with IMA."