Banking and Finance
The Banking and Finance Magnet prepares students for positions in banking and accounting environments. During their junior year, these students manage and operate the YellowJacket Financial Center (YJFC) -- sponsored by Fifth Third Bank. Beautifully decorated, the YJFC commands the attention of everyone who walks by -- it looks like a real bank! Students have the opportunity to apply their accounting skills, as well as all the skills necessary to operate a successful bank -- leadership, communications, organization, human relations, and more.
Grade Ten
The sophomore year is devoted to accounting instruction. However, automated accounting, along with business computer applications and banking procedures, are introduced. Each student is assigned to a "bank" where he or she completes case studies and practices communications and teamwork skills. In addition, business ethics are applied. Students may have the opportunity to job shadow professionals in banking careers at a Fifth Third location. Membership in the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) begins this year as does learning economics from the Junior Achievement Program.
Grade Eleven
The capstone to the Banking and Finance Magnet is the YellowJacket Financial Center (YJFC). Students have the opportunity to apply and interview for bank positions -- president, vice president, loan-officer, lead teller, customer service representative, bookkeeper, marketing director, and auditor. The YJFC is open during all lunch periods. The Center is balanced daily, and the accounting cycle is completed monthly. Balance Sheets, Income Statements, and other reports are sent to Fifth Third for auditing. Ten-key date-entry skills are developed as students compute interest monthly on savings accounts. Team-building activities, customer service, interpersonal skills, work ethic, and business ethics are emphasized. A mentor from Fifth Third Bank is assigned to eligible students. Continued growth is encourages with FBLA -- especially competition and leadership. This action packed year also incorporates an introduction to the stock market through participation in the statewide Stock Market Game.
Grade Twelve
Eligible students participate in co-op jobs in the community. Bank employers include Fifth Third Bank, Bank of Louisville, and River City Bank. Job Description Manuals are prepared for FBLA competition. Those seniors who do not co-op, develop and refine management and customer-service skills by continued support for the YJFC. Units of study include employment and data-entry skills, personal finance, and automated accounting. Active FBLA membership continues.
